We encounter many names, as we read the account of David and his kingdom in 2 Samuel. The names highlight how important people are to God.
Humans have a vertical relationship with God that involves communion, worship, prayer, and friendship with the Creator and Lover of humankind.
We have a horizontal relationship with others. The proving ground that demonstrates the vitality of our relationship with God is determined with how we treat other humans.
Out of friendship to Jonathan, he brought his disabled son, Mephibosheth, to be cared for in Jerusalem. When Absalom attempted his coup, Mephibosheth wrongly assumed that the kingdom of Saul would be restored, and he would be king.
Now that David had overcome Absalom’s treachery, Mephibosheth had to deal with David. He had wronged the king, and provided him with a test of his willingness to extend forgiveness.
Mephibosheth grandson of Saul came down to meet the king; he had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his beard or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he came back in safety.
When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?”
He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘Saddle a donkey for me so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame.
He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you.
For all my father’s house were doomed to death before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to appeal to the king?” (2 Samuel 19:24-28).
I see an attempt of Mephibosheth to shift the blame for his behavior on his servant, Ziba. I expect David was able to see through the deception. Still, this was his response.
The king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.”
Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take it all, since my lord the king has arrived home safely” (2 Samuel 19:29-20).
David could easily have taken the land dedicated to Mephibosheth, but he honored his prior agreement with Ziba and also gave property to Jonathan’s son. David had received mercy and grace from God, and he extended it to these men.
David’s Kindness to Barzillai
Barzillai was a much different story than that of Mephibosheth. He had provided for David and his men when they were at Mahanaim and needing food.
David wanted to return the favor to this faithful friend.
The king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you in Jerusalem at my side” (2 Samuel 19:33).
As an old man, Barzillai politely declined David’s gracious offer.
But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
Please let your servant return, so that I may die in my own town, near the graves of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king and do for him whatever seems good to you.”
The king answered, “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do for him whatever seems good to you, and all that you desire of me I will do for you” (2 Samuel 19:34, 37-38).
Reflections
I am only a few short years shy of being as old as David’s friend, Barzillai. I have discovered that there are people like this old friend of David’s and also like Mephibosheth.
Not everyone we meet will be like Barzillai, who went to great lengths to provide for David and his army. Thankfully, not everyone will be as deceptive as Mephibosheth and his servant.
It is in our dealing with all kinds of people that our relationship with God will be developed. We will have an opportunity to follow His directions.
But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:44-45).
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 