Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!
David had let Jonathan's memory slip from his mind for years, but now he stirs himself to make good his promise. Good men do not wait to be asked; they hunt out occasions to do good, especially to those in want who will not cry for help. He sought not merely to answer a petition, but to seek them out first.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Samuel 9:1-8
Mephibosheth bore two names, Mephibosheth and Meribbaal, and came to David's court, though he could not walk himself but was brought there. When David called out his name with great vehemence and affection, having learned who he was, Mephibosheth answered as a true subject: behold thy servant. He owned his subjection and was ready to swear allegiance and serve as he was able.
AI summary
David summons Jonathan's son from obscurity not merely to restore Saul's forfeited lands, but to seat him perpetually at the royal table. When Mephibosheth prostrates himself in terror, David's words of reassurance cut through the terror of the eastern custom: no son of the fallen house shall be slain under his reign. He receives back what was lost and eats bread at the king's table all his days.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Samuel 9:5-7