David Shows Kindness

David Shows Kindness

Q: To whom did David show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?

• a. Saul
• b. Mephibosheth
• c. Solomon

Have you seen a movie where someone living in poverty or bad circumstances suddenly becomes rich or is invited to live with someone who is rich? There’s a story like that in the Bible.

Before Jonathan’s death, when David and Jonathan were close friends, David made a promise to always show kindness to Jonathan’s family (see 1 Samuel 20:14-17). Years passed, and David returned to Saul’s house. Saul and his three sons were dead, but David remembered his promise and asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

A servant told him one of Jonathan’s sons, Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, was still alive. Mephibosheth was uncertain what King David wanted with him. He was fearful and felt unworthy. “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” he asked.

David restored all of Saul’s property and belongings to Jonathan’s son, and from then on Mephibosheth dined at David’s table as though he were the king’s own son.

David honored a commitment he’d made long before. The agreement was between David and Jonathan, but Jonathan was dead. No one else knew or would hold David responsible to keep it. But David was an honest man and kept the vow made between him and his best friend years before.

For You

It’s good to honor your commitments (unless it is one that is harmful to you or others) even if no one else would know. It shows true honesty, and that is worth more than a broken commitment.

Answer: b

His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.” Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”   2 Samuel 9:6

(The Whole Story: 2 Samuel 9)