2 Samuel 9:1

DAVID KEPT HIS COVENANT WITH JONATHAN; BEFRIENDING MEPHIBOSHETH

This chapter and through 2 Samuel 21, according to many scholars, constitute a unit which even critical scholars accept as absolutely historical, an evaluation which should be applied to the whole Bible. Several names have been suggested for this section. "R. N. Whybray called it, `The Succession Narrative'; A. R. S. Kennedy named it, `The History of David's Court'; and G. W. Anderson labeled it, `The Court History.'"[1] "Many writers have consented to call this `The Narrative of the Succession.'"[2] Porter described this portion of the Bible as, "The supreme historical treasure of Samuel."[3]

"And David said, `Is there still any one left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake.'"

In answer to this question, David learned that a son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, the five-year old lad who had been crippled in his feet upon the occasion of the family's flight following the death of Saul, was still living (2 Samuel 4:4). The events mentioned in this chapter took place long afterward, because, in the meanwhile, Mephibosheth had grown up, married and had become the father of a young son Mica (2 Samuel 9:12).

"For Jonathan's sake." The background of David's inquiry here was his remembrance of that solemn covenant he had made with Jonathan when both of them were young (1 Samuel 20:14-17). David's honoring his sacred promise to Jonathan is one of the most beautiful and touching episodes in the whole life of King David; and there is perhaps also a typical suggestion in this of our own salvation through Jesus Christ.

Sinners all, we mortals, like Mephibosheth, have been wounded, crippled, because of the "fall" of our progenitors in Eden. Like David did for Mephibosheth, God has honored and blessed us with the promise of eternal life, inviting us to feast at His table in His kingdom perpetually. Also, God does this, not because of any merit or righteousness upon our part, but "for Jesus' sake."