Day 156 – 2 Samuel 19:24-30

Scripture Review

2 Samuel 19:24-30

"And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace."

(2 Samuel 19:24)

Mephibosheth, called "the son of Saul," Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson comes down to me David. The verse says Mephibosheth had not "dressed his feet." He had not properly cared for or cleaned his feet, for he was lame in both feet. He had not cut or cared for his beard. He had not "washed his clothes." His whole appearance showed mourning and neglect. From the day David left until the day David returned in peace, Mephibosheth lived like a mourner. While others may have been adjusting to Absalom's rule, Mephibosheth carried the king's absence on his body.

"And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?"

(2 Samuel 19:25)

David asks Mephibosheth a direct question, "Why did you not come with me when I fled?" This question shows that David still needs the matter cleared up. He had heard Ziba's side of the story, but now he finally hears Mephibosheth. It is better to slow down and hear the whole matter than to make a fast decision that wounds the innocent.

"And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame."

(2 Samuel 19:26)

Mephibosheth answers with respect. He calls David "My lord, O king." And says, "my servant deceived me." The servant is Ziba, meaning he mislead, tricked, or betrayed Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth explains that he had planned to saddle an ass so he could ride after David because he was lame.

"And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes."

(2 Samuel 19:27)

Mephibosheth says Ziba made false accusations against him. Ziba did not merely misunderstand Mephibosheth. He told David something that made Mephibosheth look like a traitor. Then Mephibosheth says David is "as an angel of God." He means David has been given wisdom and authority to discern and judge. He is appealing to the king's ability to do right. Then comes his humility, "do therefore what is good in thine eyes." Mephibosheth puts himself in David's hands. Many people, when falsely accused, become consumed with proving themselves. My kids do it all the time. One of them must be right no matter what. Mephibosheth cares about truth, but he is not ruled by bitterness. A heart after God tells the truth clearly and then leaves the outcome with the God.

"For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?"

(2 Samuel 19:28)

Mephibosheth remembers where he came from. He says all his father's house were "dead men" before David. That means Saul's family could have been treated as enemies after David became king. But David did not do that. He set Mephibosheth among those who ate at his own table. That was mercy, honor, and covenant kindness. Mephibosheth had every reason to love David, not betray him. David had lifted him from obscurity and given him a place at the royal table. Then Mephibosheth asks, "What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?" He is saying David has already shown him more mercy than he deserved.

"And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land."

(2 Samuel 19:29)

David answers, "Say no more about this issue." Then he says, "Thou and Ziba divide the land." His judgment does not feel quite complete. Ziba lied and profited from the lie. Mephibosheth was wronged. Yet David settles it by dividing the land. What is there to learn here? David is trying to restore a broken kingdom. He has just pardoned Shimei. He maybe trying to avoid fresh conflict. He may also be weary of disputes after civil war. But even if we can understand the pressure David is under, the decision still shows that even a good king can make imperfect judgments.

"And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house."

(2 Samuel 19:30)

Mephibosheth says, let Ziba have it all. Let him keep the advantage. Why? He is saying because the king has come home safely, that is enough for me. Mephibosheth values David more than property. He values the king's return more than personal vindication. He would rather have the king in peace than have land without him. Do I want the Lord Himself more than what He gives? Can I say, "Let the world take all, so long as my King is present and honored"? Mephibosheth had lost land, reputation, and opportunity, but he had not lost his love for the king.