David Makes Good on Covenant Promises to Mephibosheth

In today’s Bible reading* David makes good on his covenant promise to Jonathan (and by extension to his son Mephibosheth) in 1 Samuel 20:42.

Jonathan then said to David, “Go in the assurance the two of us pledged in the name of the LORD when we said, ‘The LORD will be a witness between you and me and between my offspring and your offspring forever.’ ” Then David left, and Jonathan went into the city.
1 Samuel 20:42 (CSB)

1 Samuel 18:1 tells us that Jonathan loved David as much as he loved his own soul. We’re never told that David reciprocated that sentiment, but today’s reading of 2 Samuel 9:1, 7 clearly implies that he did. Some have interpreted this love as being more than a platonic relationship. However, God’s Word never suggests that. It’s sad that some people are so depraved that they can’t read these verses without twisting them. Men are able to love other men in a holy, God-honoring (and nonsexual way).

Throughout history, it was not uncommon for a new king to annihilate his predecessor and his progeny. However, we’re told today that David was more than accommodating to Saul’s descendants. In fact, David actually seeks out Saul’s family and finds that Mephibosheth is the only surviving member of the family. So David brings him to Jerusalem and seats him at the king’s table to eat the king’s food for the rest of his life. Basically, David adopts Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth is flabbergasted by David’s generosity. (2 Samuel 9:8)

Application

The story of Mephibosheth is a beautiful picture of God’s generosity to His adopted children under the New Covenant. Because of the death of His Son Jesus, God graciously and mercifully adopts us into His family and we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6) and are blessed to eat at His table. (Revelation 3:20, 19:9)

If you are a Believer, spend a few minutes today praising God for adopting you into His family and for including you in all of the covenant blessings that He gives to Jesus. (Ephesians 1:3)

If you aren’t a Believer, ask God to show you what His covenant with His people is all about. Respond to His invitation to become a member of the family.

Then, let me know so I can pray for you. I want to help you to grow in your relationship with your Father.

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
2 Samuel 8
2 Samuel 9
1 Chronicles 18