2 Samuel 9:6

And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, "Mephibosheth!" "I am your servant," he replied.

Study Bible

And Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul
The mention of "Mephibosheth" immediately draws us into the narrative of grace and restoration. Mephibosheth, whose name means "dispeller of shame," is a poignant figure, representing those who are marginalized and forgotten. As the "son of Jonathan, the son of Saul," he is a direct descendant of Israel's first king, Saul, and the beloved friend of David, Jonathan. This lineage is significant, as it ties Mephibosheth to a royal heritage that has been overshadowed by the fall of Saul's house. Historically, the house of Saul was in decline, and Mephibosheth's physical disability (2 Samuel 4:4) further marginalized him. Yet, his connection to Jonathan, who had a covenant with David (1 Samuel 18:3), sets the stage for David's act of kindness.

came to David
The act of coming to David is laden with historical and emotional weight. In the ancient Near Eastern context, approaching a king could be a moment of great risk, especially for a member of a former royal family. Mephibosheth's journey to David is not just physical but symbolic of approaching the throne of grace. David, now king, represents the fulfillment of God's promise, and Mephibosheth's approach is an act of faith and vulnerability. This moment echoes the broader biblical theme of coming to God with humility and trust.

fell facedown
This gesture of falling facedown is a profound act of humility and submission. In the Hebrew culture, prostration was a common way to show respect and acknowledge the authority of a superior. For Mephibosheth, this act signifies his recognition of David's kingship and his own position of dependence. Spiritually, it reflects the posture believers are called to adopt before God—acknowledging His sovereignty and our need for His mercy.

and paid homage
Paying homage goes beyond mere physical prostration; it involves an attitude of the heart. The Hebrew root for homage, "shachah," often implies worship and reverence. Mephibosheth's homage to David is a recognition of David's rightful place as king, but it also foreshadows the ultimate homage all creation will pay to Christ, the King of Kings. This act of homage is a reminder of the respect and honor due to those whom God has placed in authority.

Then David said, 'Mephibosheth!'
David's direct address to Mephibosheth is personal and affirming. By calling him by name, David acknowledges Mephibosheth's identity and worth. In a world where names carry deep significance, this moment is a powerful reminder of God's personal knowledge and care for each individual. It echoes the biblical truth that God knows us by name and calls us into relationship with Him.

'I am your servant,' he replied
Mephibosheth's response, "I am your servant," is an expression of humility and readiness to serve. This declaration is significant in the context of a former royal family member acknowledging the authority of the new king. It reflects a heart of submission and willingness to align with God's chosen leader. For believers, this response is a model of how we are to approach God—with a servant's heart, ready to do His will. It is a reminder that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in servanthood and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mephibosheth
The son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. He was crippled in both feet and lived in obscurity until King David sought him out to show kindness for Jonathan's sake.

2. Jonathan
The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Jonathan and David had a covenant of friendship and loyalty, which David honored even after Jonathan's death.

3. David
The King of Israel who sought to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. His actions towards Mephibosheth demonstrate his faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan.

4. Saul
The first King of Israel and father of Jonathan. His relationship with David was complex, marked by jealousy and conflict.

5. Homage
The act of Mephibosheth falling facedown and paying homage to David signifies respect and submission, acknowledging David's authority and kindness.

Teaching Points

Covenant Faithfulness
David's actions towards Mephibosheth highlight the importance of keeping promises and honoring commitments, even when it is inconvenient or costly.

Grace and Kindness
David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a powerful example of grace, showing favor to someone who could not repay him. This reflects God's grace towards us.

Humility and Submission
Mephibosheth's response to David is one of humility and submission, recognizing the king's authority and benevolence.

Restoration and Redemption
David's restoration of Saul's land to Mephibosheth symbolizes God's redemptive work in our lives, restoring what was lost.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's treatment of Mephibosheth reflect his character and his relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we show kindness and grace to those who cannot repay us, following David's example?

3. How does the covenant between David and Jonathan influence David's actions in this passage, and what does this teach us about the importance of keeping our commitments?

4. What can we learn from Mephibosheth's humility and response to David's kindness, and how can we apply this in our relationship with God and others?

5. How does the account of Mephibosheth illustrate the concept of restoration and redemption, and what other biblical accounts or teachings reinforce this theme?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 20
This chapter details the covenant between David and Jonathan, which is the foundation for David's kindness to Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 4:4
Provides background on Mephibosheth's condition, explaining how he became crippled.

Luke 14:13-14
Jesus teaches about inviting the poor, crippled, and marginalized, which parallels David's kindness to Mephibosheth.