An Invitation to the King's Table

When we began this series, over two years ago, we chose the series title, “Tracing the Shadow of the King.” And we did that on purpose. From the outset, from page one, from barren Hannah’s song, we’ve claimed that this story about David wasn’t really about David. The purpose of this story is greater, broader, more profound than merely a biography of an ancient king. It’s more significant than merely a historical record of a long collapsed dynasty. We’ve suggested, every chapter and verse, that the author of this history means for you to see shadows behind the life and words and work of David, and to trace those shadows to the ancient shepherd king of Israel.

I’ve told you guys, in a number of ways, that the author of Samuel meant for you to read this book in this way. It isn’t an accident of history and inspiration that these words just happen to also teach us about the true King of Israel. The human author and the divine author both intend for you to trace the shadow. The shadows of the coming King are woven into this narrative, every chapter and verse, and the only right way to read it is to see Jesus behind these scenes. I mention it often, and you’re probably tired of hearing it.

Yet I realized this week that I haven’t mentioned the most significant piece of evidence in favor of this conclusion. It’s easy enough to say that an author means for his words to be read a certain way, but if ever I intend for you to be convinced of it, I should offer every bit of evidence that this is so. And I fear I’ve failed you in this regard, because I haven’t yet mentioned what I think is the most compelling reason to read these words as pointing beyond David.

So here it is.

David, by the time the people of Israel are reading these words, is dead.

Indeed, there is very real and very striking evidence that David is dead, Solomon is dead, and many of their successors are dead by the time this book was widely read among the people of Israel.

We’ve read many stories about David that might have led you to believe that he was the promised King of Israel, that he was the seed of hope planted in the ancient law, the answer to the many prayers of the faithful sons and daughters of Israel. You might have read these stories and believed that all of the building tension among the people of Israel was now resolved in the person of David, the shepherd king of Israel.

But you cannot read it that way. Because David is dead.

It’s so basic, yet the fact of David’s death, the fact of Solomon’s death, is profound. Because if this book has anything to say of the fate of the people of God, if it intends to teach the faithful sons and daughters of Israel of a final, permanent hope, of total and final deliverance, then it must be pointing beyond the life of David to another. Merely because David is buried six feet under by the time they’re reading it.

So when you read the prophetic promises in Hannah’s song, when you read the prophecies of Samuel, when you read the faithful exclamations of Jonathan, you have two choices to make. Either these words are an artifact of a dead dynasty, and therefore have no meaning for you and I, or these words are directing your hope toward a greater King — a son of David whose kingdom will never end.

I choose the latter. I hope you do, too.

Now, the reason I mention all of this is because we happen to have just read and reflected on the single most explicit promise of this Son of David in the whole book. The chapter just prior to the ones we’re about to read made explicit all that has been implied from page one - that is, that David wasn’t allowed or even able to be the great savior of Israel. Instead, God promised a better King. David’s son was coming, and he would make a place for God’s people, and they would rest under his rule forever and ever. Never has the book made such explicit promises about a one who is to come. All the whispers of this book are transformed into shouts at that moment. David’s frail dynasty is not the hope of Israel. A forever King is coming. Look out for him. Watch for him. His kingdom is your only true hope.

That’s where we left off.

Now, walk a few miles in the shoes of the people of Israel, who are reading this book knowing that David’s dynasty is crumbling, knowing that their enemies loom, knowing that exile or death is inevitable. Place yourself in their position.

What would you be thinking, now that you’ve read these promises? You have recently lost hope in the dynasty of David, you face dreadful enemies and a terrifying fate. Yet you’ve just read these promises, promises of rescue and rest in a coming Son of David. If you’re that guy, and you’ve just turned the page after reading that all of your hopes are set in a coming son of David who promises rest, what are you thinking, just then?

“Tell me what he’s like! What is this Son of David like? Tell me about him, so that I can scan the horizon and know when my hope has arrived! Tell me more about him, because this hope is all I have left. Tell me about the coming Son of David, so that I’ll know when the promised rest is here!”

And that, I think, is why the next two chapters exist. For the broken and lost and hurting and exiled people of Israel to know who to look out for, and to know what he’s like. For those who had real hope set in the frail dynasty of David, when that hope is crushed and they turn to the book to read that a better Son is coming. I think these chapters exist to teach them what to look out for.

So let’s read these words together, with the same longing and anticipation as the exiled people of Israel. Their hope and our hope are the same. We, together with them, look toward a better Kingdom and a better King. And we can get through the dark days of our exile by remembering what he’s like.

We have a distinct advantage here, because we know who this coming Son of David is. And we know what he’s like, on some level. We know what he’s done, and what he will do, on some level. But these chapters teac

Today we’re going to answer the question that this book means for us to ask.

“What is the promised King of Israel like?”

2 Samuel 8–9 ESV

After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute. David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze. When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah. And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were priests. And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants. So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

Turn with me to . We’ll take it in parts.

2 Samuel 8 ESV

After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute. David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze. When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah. And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were priests.

So this chapter is often referred to as a “catalogue of David’s military victories.” And that may be true, but it isn’t enough, because what this chapter is doing is deeper and more powerful than merely reflecting on David’s military might.

This is what I mean. Let’s reread the first two verses.

2 Samuel 8:1–2 ESV

After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.

2 Samuel 8:2

Okay, so right off the bat we’re given a bit of information that ought to bother you a little bit. Because this sort of this isn’t normal.

The first verse tells us that David has done what no other leader of Israel has ever done. We’re told that he subdues the Philistines - Israel’s most aggressive enemy. And that’s noteworthy, but what follow should give you pause.

We’re told that David defeated the Moabite army. And we didn’t really need any more information than that. That would have been sufficient, if the author were attempting to communicate about Moab what he just communicated about the Philistines.

But the text goes further. We’re told that David made the Moabite soldiers who survived the conflict lie down on the ground. And he took a measuring line of some length and laid it on the ground before them. The soldiers who happened to be laying within the boundaries of the first two of every three lengths he laid down were executed. The soldiers who happened to be laying within the boundaries of the third of every three lengths were spared.

And that seems cruel to most. And it seems uncharacteristic to nearly everybody.

Now, it’s worth noting that this sort of practice was actually seen as compassionate in the ancient world. It wasn’t uncommon for kings to wholesale slaughter all enemy survivors. Julius Caesar used to do it all the time.

But this sort of thing is unusual for Israel, and especially for David.

So what on earth is going on here?

This passage has bothered readers for thousands of years. Jewish readers of this passage recognized that this action felt a lot more like the cruelty of pagan kings than the righteous justice of King David. In fact, from the outset Jewish historians have attempted to explain David’s malice by referencing an episode of David’s history that we don’t have in our Bible.

Do you remember when David was on the run? When he was being chased by Saul? Eventually David fled outside the boundaries of Israel. He spent time with the Philistines, but he also dropped off his mother and father with the King of the Moabites. And from that point forward, we never again hear of David’s parents.

Jewish historians have suggested that the King of the Moabites killed David’s parents, instead of protecting them. And that’s why, they say, David is exceptionally violent toward Moab.

There’s really no way of knowing whether the King of Moab was so treacherous. It isn’t in the Bible. And it isn’t in Samuel. And that’s why, I think, that this sort of explanation doesn’t make sense of David’s actions. Because if we needed to know it to make sense of things, the author would have told us.

No, I think the answer to our questions is more profound than that one.

I’m going to read to you for a moment from .

We don’t have a lot of time to get into context here. But just know that a pagan king hired a prophet to curse God’s people. But when that prophet attempted to speak maliciously against God’s people, God made him bless them instead. And the prophecies of Balaam became a beacon of hope for the people of Israel.

Shortly after God’s people were rescued from slavery, as they

Now listen to Balaam’s final words.

Numbers 24:15–17 ESV

And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

Numbers 24:15–19 ESV

And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly. And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!”

I see him, but not now. I behold him, but not near. A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.

Numbers 24:14–19 ESV

And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.” And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly. And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!”

Numbers 24:14-19

—And what will this great king do?—

He shall crush the forehead of Moab. He will crush the forehead of Moab.

That’s a promise. To a people abused by the oppression of the Moabites. To a people oppressed by the treachery of the Moabites. To a people tempted by the idolatry of the Moabites. That’s a promise that someday God will send a King, and he will crush them.

That’s why David is doing what he’s doing. That’s why David is purposefully eliminating any potential that Moab would rise again to compromise God’s people.

What is David doing, by executing two thirds of Moab’s armies? He’s crushing the forehead of Moab, and he’s fulfilling the ancient promises of God. When David stretches his mighty arm against Moab, he is doing what God has promised would be done since the people of Israel were pacing toward the promised land. Because the King of Israel fulfills the promises of God.

And he’ll disposess Edom.

That’s our first answer to the question

That’s what the coming Son of David is like. That’s what the promised King will do.

The true King of Israel fulfills the promises of God.

Let’s keep moving. Read with me from verse 3.

2 Samuel 8:3–12 ESV

David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze. When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

The first thing I want you to notice here is that David’s military victories and the related alliances were extraordinarily profitable.

Horses aren’t cheap. Chariots aren’t cheap. Shields made of gold are, literally, made of gold. David leads his armies to protect God’s people, and he returns with heaps and heaps of gold and silver and bronze. Riches beyond imagining, at David’s fingertips.

What does David do with all of it?

1700 Horsemen

In yet another odd moment, we’re told that David slaughters the horses he’s taken. He keeps only enough to supplement his forces with a mere 100 chariots. Why do something like that?

20000 Foot Soldiers

And when he walks away from these battlefields with enough money to rest comfortably and establish his dynasty for generations, what does he do? He gives it to God.

Thousands of Horses

Why?

Shields of Gold

I want to read you something from .

Lots and lots of Bronze

Lots of Gold

Lots of Silver

In other words, David’s military victories might have made him unimaginably wealthy.

Deuteronomy 17:14–17 ESV

“When you come to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,’ you may indeed set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.

Deuteronomy 17:14-17

David stepped away from breathtaking military potential. David stepped away from unimaginable riches. Why?

Because the law required it. The King isn’t allowed to acquire many horses for himself, so David didn’t. The King isn’t allowed to acquire excessive silver and gold, so David didn’t.

In a word, David kept God’s law.

And that’s what the coming Son of David is like. That’s what the promised King will do.

The promised son of David fulfills God’s promises. And the promised son of David keeps God’s law.

Time is short, and we’ve got lots of ground to cover. Let’s keep moving. Read with me from verse 8.

2 Samuel 8:13–15 ESV

And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.

David’s military might had become legendary among ancient middle eastern peoples. His victories were whispered among Israel’s enemies and shouted among Israel’s people. And as he secured a place for God’s people, David left garrisons to warn the future enemies of Israel - there will be no mercy shown to those who stretch their hand against God’s people.

His might and power were glorious. His enemies shuddered in fear because of his glorious might.

In might and miraculous victory, David made a name for himself. He was glorious. His might and power were glorious.

And when he took off his armor and put on his crown, when he sat upon his throne to reign over the people, to speak wisdom over them, to judge them, and to provide for them, he is glorious. His reign is marked by justice and equity. He is glorious at home and glorious abroad.

Outside of Israel’s borders, his military might was glorious. And inside Israel’s borders, his justice and

That’s what the coming Son of David is like.

The promised redeemer of Israel is glorious. He is just, merciful, and mighty.

The promised King of Israel is glorious. He is just, merciful, and mighty.

So let’s stop for a moment and reflect.

On the heels of the promise, David casts a distinct shadow of a better King. And man, what a shadow.

Like David, the son of David will fulfill God’s promises.

Like David, the son of David will keep God’s law.

Like David, the son of David will reign in justice, equity, and might. He will be glorious.

And we could have stopped there, right? Don’t you think that’s enough? The faithful sons and daughters of Israel who are reading this book and longing for a vision of the promised King - they’re going to trace this shadow and they’ll see Covenant Faithfulness, and they’ll see Righteousness, and they’ll see Justice and Equity and Might. When they trace this shadow they’ll see GLORY!

And we could have stopped there and it would have been just fine. But the author doesn’t stop there.

In fact, each of these characteristics took more or less than a paragraph to embody. The author quickly, in rapid succession, paints a picture of the coming Messiah - BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM! It’s almost as if he’s in a hurry to get somewhere.

And then we turn to chapter nine, and all of the sudden the pace slows to a crawl. All of the sudden the author dwells on one final characteristic, forces you to consider one final aspect of the messiah’s character. This isn’t BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM - this is w a i t . . . w a t c h . . . r e f l e c t. . .

It’s almost as if the author has rushed to get you right here. And it’s almost as if the story slows because the author wants you to swim in this shadow.

So let’s do it. Read with me .

2 Samuel 8:15–18 ESV

So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were priests.

2 Samuel 9 ESV

And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants. So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

Okay. I want you to stop for a moment and reflect on what’s happening.

The King of Israel has finished his work. He has fulfilled God’s promises, he has kept God’s law, he has protected God’s people, and he now reigns in Justice, and Equity, and Might. That’s what we just read. All of that is finished and we now see David at rest. He is seated on his throne and his work is accomplished.

Now. What does the King of Israel do after he defeats his enemies, after his borders are secure and his people are safe? What does the King of Israel do when his kingdom is established? What does the King of Israel do after he sits down on his throne?

He seeks the lost and broken, and he invites them to sit as his table forever.

Listen to his words, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul?”

He said Saul! Saul, the pretender King. Saul, who corrupted the faith of the people of God. Saul, who spent himself raging against the true King of Israel. Saul’s house pursued David in the wilderness. Saul’s house tore apart his family. Saul’s house raged against his Kingdom. Saul’s house divided Israel. “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake.”

What a King!

He seeks

Saul’s house was in ruins! Saul’s descendants were crushed or scattered. They had no hope anymore. Their kingdom was fallen, and their lives were forfeit!

You must see this for what it is, politically, socially,

How many years of his life were hell because of the house of Saul? None of that matters to David.

Politically, this is disastrous. David’s actually seeking to bless his

What kind of King seeks after the lost? What kind of King

Yet this King seeks and saves the lost.

The last in Saul’s line was Mephibosheth, a cripple. And when Saul’s house fell, he had fled from his tribal boundaries, he had crossed over the Jordan into the wilderness. He has no property, no home, no inheritance. He is lost and broken and hopeless.

With a word, David reverses his fate. With a word, David gives him all of the land and property of the fallen house of Saul. With a word, David invites him to dine at the King’s table always. With a word, the lost and broken son of a pretender King is restored.

That’s the sort of King we’re waiting for.

The author of Samuel could have stopped there, he could have stopped there but he didn’t. Because it isn’t enough to know that Jesus Christ, the son of David, forever King of Israel is Faithful and Righteous and Just and Mighty. It isn’t enough to know that he’s Glorious.

No. If you want to know who he is and what he’s like, you must know Jesus Christ as Redeemer!

The King of Israel seeks and saves the lost and the broken. The hopeless find hope in him. Those whose stock was invested in a fallen kingdom, whose ruin was sealed when the pretender king was defeated - these are the ones that the King of Israel invites to his table!

Mephiboshetch

Walk a mile in the shoes of ancient Israel - exiled and lost, broken and hopeless because they spent their lives worshiping false gods, seeking peace in the wrong kingdoms. Put yourself in the position of the sons and daughters of the broken covenant, and feel their swelling hope because of these words! Yes, you’ve made an enemy of the God who rescued you from slavery. Yes, you’ve broken the covenant and worshipped the gods of the nations. Yes, you’re a slave to the nations whom you’ve served.

But there’s a king coming. And he is faithful in your stead. And he is righteous in your stead. And he will establish a kingdom of peace and reign in justice and equity and might. And this king invites the lost and broken to sit at his table.

Stunning hope. Staggering grace. Unimaginable mercy. When God sends Jesus Christ to rescue his people, it is in the face of their wicked rebellion. And the faithful sons of Israel, who perceive this shadow and look forward to this king, pay homage to the God who saves, and whisper the words of Mephibosheth: “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

Imagine the dawn of hope, the stunning

What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

Surely, surely by now you see where I’m going.

You have an advantage here. You know his name. You have heard of the words and works of Jesus Christ, the King of Israel. You know him for who he is. All of God’s promises are YES! and AMEN! in Jesus. In our stead he was righteous! He traded our sins for his righteousness so that we might stand before a holy God blameless! Jesus Christ, the King of Israel will reign in Justice and Equity and Might! You cannot imagine his glory.

But it isn’t enough to know those things. An invitation has been sent - servants have been sent to invite you to dine at his table, forever and ever!

You see that man, the lost and broken son of Saul? YOU ARE THAT MAN!

I am that man.

We were, each of us, broken and lost and without hope. You were born into sin, a servant of the pretender king. You life was spent on that kingdom. Your time was wasted on that kingdom. Your hope was set in that kingdom. But that kingdom is crumbling. You were a sworn enemy of the King of Israel.

And that King invites you to sit at his table.

An Invitation to the King's Table

Tracing a dead man’s shadow.

Tell me about the Son of David.

He Fulfills God’s Promises

Body

Destroys

He Keeps God’s Law

- Reigns in Glory

He is just, merciful, and mighty. He is glorious.

- Rescues God’s People

We could have stopped there.

He Invites the Broken to Dine at His Table

He Invites the Broken to Dine at His Table

You are that man!