4. An Enduring Loyalty: David and Mephibosheth

2 S`am 9

David inquires (to love and blessl exercise hesed)

David summons - authorit. draw

David reassures +-fear not

David restores- all land, honor

David adopts, as it were, having Meph eat w/ him always and live in jerus.

Themes of this message:

covenant loyalty

mercy/hesed to the undeserving;

“the kindness of God”

the HESED of God…

A Breath-Taking Kindness/An Enduring Loyalty

Background: until recently, civil war b/w David’s and Saul’s house and the kingdom divided… all of Israel following Ish-bosheth under Abner’s commanding, and Judah following David under Joab + Abishai’s commander-ing;

Abner is murdered by Joab

Ish is assassinated by his own captains (Rechab and Baanah)

And soon all Israel is drawn under David’s reign (2 Sam 5)

grows in power and prospers with victory; administers “justice and equity to all his people” 2 Sam 8:15

What do kings often do to the household of their competitor? They slay them!

examples of this? ** see 1-2 Ki/Chron for example of wicked king that slaughtered his competitor’s family/sons…

2 Sam 19:28 assumed in Meph’s reply: “For all my father’s house were but men doomed to death [dead men! NASB] before my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table.”

David’s Loyal Love (Scene 1a)

vv.1-7

Mephibosheth’s Humble Reply (Scene 1b)

v.6 fell on face + homage; v.8 self-abasement; unworthiness