2 Samuel 9

With the exception of David, the characters we meet in today’s chapter are not that memorable. In fact, we may not even have heard of some of them. However, when I recall the incidents they feature in, one thing that really struck me was the fact that circumstances as well as people change rapidly in the world we live in.

Thinking about this makes me all the more thankful for the constant and unchanging God who provides us with security and a steadfast promise amidst all the uncertainty surrounding us.

Let’s look at the chapter and see if you feel the same.

Bible Passage:  2 Samuel 9

It is a very short chapter with one main event – David extending his care and protection to Mephibosheth.

Why did I say that it made me feel the uncertainty of man’s circumstances?

This is because as I read the chapter, I recall that while David was extremely kind to Mephibosheth here, he (David) suspected him (Mephibosheth) of trying to revive the previous dynasty later on during the time he was fleeing from Absalom (chapter 19).

Frankly, poor Mephibosheth led an extremely uncertain and tumultuous life. Although he was the grandson of a king, yet he was crippled at the age of five because he fell when fleeing with his nurse upon hearing about the death of his grandfather and father on the battlefield (2 Sam 4:4). He was probably terribly fearful of being killed by David just because he was a descendant of Saul yet was shown great kindness in this chapter. Unfortunately, he was doubted and ‘fell from grace’ again later on.

When we talk about the event of this chapter, we often emphasise on the magnanimity and kindness of David. However, we have neglected the uprightness and humility, even the calm acceptance of Mephibosheth of his lot in life. While not much is said about him, we can infer from his actions and speech that he held no grudges against David for ‘usurping’ the throne. Quite plainly, he was one that acknowledged and accepted that God knew what was best despite the roller coaster quality of his life thus was able to maintain his integrity and faithfulness even though he might not have totally understood the will of God. This determination to do what is right despite the ups and downs in our life is truly something that we need to apply in our lives today.

As we move on in life, let us resolve to be like the Mephibosheths and Machirs in the Bible who live by what is right and true notwithstanding the Davids and Zibas around us.