2 Samuel 21:7

Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

Study Bible

But the king spared Mephibosheth
This phrase highlights King David's decision to protect Mephibosheth. The Hebrew root for "spared" is "חָמַל" (chamal), which means to have compassion or to show mercy. David's action is a reflection of his integrity and faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan. In a time when political expediency often led to ruthless actions, David's sparing of Mephibosheth demonstrates a commitment to righteousness and loyalty, underscoring the importance of keeping one's promises even when it is inconvenient.

the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul
This lineage is significant as it ties Mephibosheth directly to both Jonathan and Saul. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, was a close friend of David, and their relationship was marked by a deep covenantal bond. The mention of Saul here serves as a reminder of the complex history between David and Saul's family, including Saul's pursuit of David and the eventual downfall of Saul's house. Despite this, David honors his covenant with Jonathan, showing that personal relationships and divine covenants transcend political rivalries.

because of the oath of the LORD
The "oath of the LORD" refers to the solemn promise made between David and Jonathan, as recorded in 1 Samuel 20:42. The Hebrew word for "oath" is "שְׁבוּעָה" (shevu'ah), which signifies a binding promise or vow. This oath was not merely a personal agreement but was made in the presence of God, giving it a sacred and inviolable nature. David's adherence to this oath highlights the biblical principle that vows made before God are to be honored above all else, reflecting a deep reverence for divine authority and the sanctity of one's word.

that was between them, between David and Jonathan
The repetition of "between them" emphasizes the mutual nature of the covenant. It was a bilateral agreement, underscoring the depth of the friendship and loyalty between David and Jonathan. This covenant was characterized by mutual respect and love, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:3, where Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. The strength of this bond serves as a model for godly relationships, where commitments are honored and upheld regardless of external circumstances.

the son of Saul
The final mention of Saul serves as a poignant reminder of the fallen king's legacy and the potential threat his descendants posed to David's reign. However, David's decision to spare Mephibosheth, despite his lineage, illustrates the triumph of grace and mercy over fear and retribution. It reflects the biblical theme of redemption and the possibility of reconciliation, even amidst a history of enmity. David's actions foreshadow the New Testament message of loving one's enemies and extending grace, as taught by Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who honors his covenant with Jonathan by sparing Mephibosheth.

2. Mephibosheth
The son of Jonathan, spared by David due to the covenant between David and Jonathan.

3. Jonathan
The son of Saul and a close friend of David, with whom David made a covenant.

4. Saul
The former King of Israel and father of Jonathan, whose actions led to the famine in Israel.

5. The Oath of the LORD
A covenant made between David and Jonathan, which David honors by sparing Mephibosheth.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Keeping Covenants
David's decision to spare Mephibosheth underscores the importance of honoring commitments, especially those made before God.

Faithfulness in Relationships
The relationship between David and Jonathan serves as a model for loyalty and faithfulness in friendships and family ties.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
The context of the famine and the resolution through the Gibeonites' request shows God's justice and the importance of addressing past wrongs.

Grace and Mercy
David's mercy towards Mephibosheth is a reflection of God's grace towards us, reminding us to extend grace to others.

Legacy of Faithfulness
The account encourages us to consider the legacy we leave through our commitments and relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's action in sparing Mephibosheth demonstrate the importance of keeping one's promises, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the covenant between David and Jonathan reflect the nature of our covenant relationship with God through Christ?

3. How can we show grace and mercy to others in our daily interactions, following David's example with Mephibosheth?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that we honor our commitments, especially those made before God?

5. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of this passage enhance our appreciation of David's actions and God's justice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 18:3-4
This passage describes the covenant between David and Jonathan, highlighting the deep bond and commitment they shared.

1 Samuel 20:14-17
Jonathan asks David to show kindness to his family, which David promises to do, foreshadowing the events of 2 Samuel 21:7.

2 Samuel 9:1-13
David's earlier actions to show kindness to Mephibosheth, fulfilling his promise to Jonathan.

Psalm 15:4
This verse speaks to the importance of keeping one's oath, even when it is difficult, reflecting David's integrity.

Matthew 5:37
Jesus teaches about the importance of keeping one's word, which aligns with David's actions in honoring his covenant with Jonathan.