March 23, 2024

Jonathan had a son, Mephibosheth, who had been lame in both feet since the age of five and was the only heir of Saul left. Now a grown man with a son of his own, Mephibosheth was being cared for by Machir. David wanted to show kindness to Jonathan, his best friend who was killed at war, so he sent for Mephibosheth to be brought to him. David honored him by giving him a seat at his table during the appointed feast. He also gave him Saul's estate and made Ziba and his sons caretakers to plow and harvest to help increase Mephibosheth's wealth. Mica, Mephibosheth's son, re-established the lineage of Saul as noted in 1 Chronicles 8 and became a well-known family in Israel according to the American Bible Society, most likely because David had shown kindness to a prince of the kingdom of Saul. We will learn more about Ziba later in 2 Samuel.

The character of David melts my heart; he was so loving. Imagine the kindness of Jesus, then look at David, a sinner like us but typifying him, showing mercy to his sworn enemy's grandson. We are undeserving of kindness, yet Jesus loves us anyway and has shown us great kindness by giving himself for our salvation. His love humbles me.

Thank you, Jesus, for showing us how extraordinary your love is for us.

 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 2 Samuel 9:7