2 Samuel 9 Devotional

A Seat at the King's Table

““Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.””2 Samuel 9:7 (BSB)

David asks a question: is anyone left from the house of Saul to whom he can show kindness for Jonathan's sake (9:1)? He is remembering a promise. Jonathan had once asked David never to cut off his loyal love from his household (1 Samuel 20:15). David calls what he wants to give the kindness of God (9:3).

They find Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, lame in both feet and living in Lo-debar. He falls on his face, and David tells him not to be afraid (9:7). David restores all of Saul's land to him and gives him a permanent place at the king's table. Mephibosheth calls himself a dead dog (9:8), yet he eats with David like one of the king's own sons (9:11). Nothing about him earned it. Everything rests on a promise made to someone else. That is how God's grace reaches us too: for the sake of another, through a covenant God keeps. Those who come to Christ are not tolerated at a distance. They are welcomed as sons and daughters.

To think about: Do you approach God more like a servant expecting rejection or like a child welcomed to his table?