2 Samuel 9:1-13

Earlier in Samuel, we see a very beautiful friendship between Jonathan and David. David and Jonathan had bonded together and were very loyal to one another in spite of how Saul felt about David. David and Jonathan promised each other that whoever outlived the other would look after the other’s family.

This was a time of much turmoil. Saul had failed as king, and now David is king. David and Saul had constantly been going back and forth hunting each other. But by this point, Saul and Jonathan had died in battle on Mount Gilboa. Remember, by Saul dying, this secured David’s throne and power because there was now no opposition to threaten him. And according to Middle Eastern custom, a new king would put to death all the offspring of the former dynasty who might be contenders for the throne.

Mephibosheth is only five years old at this time. With Saul and Jonathan dead, a nurse picked him up and runs for their lives. As she was trying to save his life, she dropped him, crippling him for life.

When we come to our scripture today, Mephibosheth is probably about 20 years old. David is king. He’s happy, healthy, and has never lost a battle. When all of a sudden, he remembers a promise he made to Jonathan.

David didn’t ask if there was anyone worthy of kindness. He just ask if there was anyone.