DAVID SHOWS KINDNESS TO THE GRANDSON OF SAUL

PROCLAMATION

“… And David said, ‘Mephibosheth.’ … ‘Fear not; for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.’ ”  2 Samuel 9:6-7 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  After expanding the borders of Israel, David asked if there was anyone left from the house of Saul that he could show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake. (2 Samuel 9:1)  Ziba, the head servant from the house of Saul, said that Jonathan had a son who was lame in both feet and living in Lo-Debar. (2 Samuel 9:2-5)  King David sent for Mephibosheth and he was brought to him.  David told him not to be afraid, he only wanted to show him kindness for his father’s sake.  David gave him all of the land which had belonged to his grandfather Saul, and he told Ziba to take his sons and servants and farm the land, and then bring the crops to him. (2 Samuel 9:6-12)  From that time on, Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and ate at the king’s table. (2 Samuel 9:13)

 

APPLICATION

All of our blessings are not due to our own behavior.  Mephibosheth was blessed because of his father Jonathan, the son of Saul.  Some of the blessings that we receive today are because of our family; they are the results of the prayers of our parents and our grandparents.  Children are not always aware of all of the things that their parents do for them, and they are definitely unaware of their parents’ prayers for them.  Regardless of their present behavior, we need to continue to pray for our children.  There is power in prayer, and prayer changes things.  “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)