David had a very close relationship with Jonathan, King Saul’s son, to the extent that David swore to show kindness to the house of Saul after he became king. According to 1st Samuel 31:1-4 we read of the shocking news that Saul and his three (3) sons died from the hands of the Philistines in battle.
You will recall David made a promise to Jonathan in 1st Samuel 20 that he would show kindness the family of Saul. In 2nd Samuel 9:3-13 David made inquiries about remainder of Saul’s household. He was told in verse 3 “And the king said, is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the King, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. And the King said unto him, where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, behold, he is in a house of Machir, the son Ammiel, in Lo-debar.
Then king David sent and fetch him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel.
(It is interesting to know that Mephibosheth became paralyzed after sustaining an injury from a terrible fall when his caretaker heard the news, that King Saul and his (3) three sons had died in battle. David did not have to show that level of compassion to Jonathan’s son because being paralyzed is a handicap to the demands of Kings house. However, David remembered the promise he made to Jonathan and now for Jonathan’s sake David was glad to invite Mephibosheth to the Kings table to dine for the rest of his life.
How good this must have felt, for Mephibosheth to know that all his provisions would be covered due to a promised made to his father to show kindness to the family of Saul by David for Jonathan’s sake.
We have read of an experience in Luke 14:21-22 it reads “ So that servant came and showed his Lord those things, then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, go out quickly in the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither-the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou has commanded, and yet there is room.”
As gentles we are the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind, all are invited to Kings house to be part of the family of God. So, we identify with Mephibosheth for being privileged to sit and enjoy all the pleasures of Kings house. Jesus said come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Thank God for giving us rest in Kings house.
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