Mephibosheth was a grandson of King Saul. He came from a family that might expect to be wiped out when David came to the throne. He was also a cripple, having been dropped by his nurse when he was young. He lived in someone else’s home in Lo-debar, meaning “no pasture,” suggesting that he was poor. Lo-debar was on the east side of Jordan, “afar off” from Jerusalem, God’s dwelling. Mephibosheth did nothing to merit David’s favor.
However, David inquired about him, sent messengers after him, and brought him to the royal palace. Then David assured him there was nothing to fear, gave him all Saul’s land, provided him with servants, and gave him a permanent place at the king’s table as one of his sons.
Mephibosheth realized this and fell down and said that “a dead dog” like he did not deserve such kindness.
In all this we see a picture of ourselves. We were born of a rebel, sinful race under condemnation of death. We were morally deformed and paralyzed by sin. We dwelt in a land of “no pasture,” spiritually starved, and we were “afar off ” from God, without hope. There was nothing in us to draw out God’s love and kindness. Yet God sought us, found us, delivered us from the fear of death, and brought us to His banqueting table. Why did He do it? It was for Jesus’ sake. It was because of His covenant of grace under which He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.
1. What has appeared toward man concerning God our Saviour?
Titus 3:___
2. We should forgive one another as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. What else should we be toward one another? Ephesians 4:___
3. Concerning the living and the dead, why did Naomi bless the Lord?
Ruth 2:___
4. Why did David want kindness shown to the sons of Barzillai?
1 Kings 2:___
5. What law is in the mouth of a virtuous woman? Proverbs 31:___