“And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth” (II Samuel 4:4).

Perhaps the most famous friendship in history is described in I Samuel 18:3. “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.” After this covenant relationship was established, David became the object of persecution by Saul and was forced into exile until he received the news, referenced in our text, of Saul and Jonathan being killed in battle (II Samuel 1).

Upon being crowned king, David remembered his covenant with Jonathan. And David said, “Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (II Samuel 9:1). David was told of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, hiding out in the enclave of Lodebar. The king sent servants to fetch him (v.5). No doubt Mephibosheth was terrified as the royal messengers arrived at the door. Would David follow the custom of the day and destroy potential rivals? Unable to flee, the lame Mephibosheth was taken to Jerusalem where he fell on his face before the throne. “And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually” (II Samuel 9:7).

Here is an unmistakable picture of the unsaved person in rebellion, fearing God’s wrath, and ignorant of God’s love. Yet Hebrews 9:15 says, “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament.” Because of this covenant, God informs the helpless, unworthy sinner that He offers peace, pardon, and a place of fellowship forever. DW