Overview of An Example of Biblical Kindness (2 Samuel 9:1–15)
Pastor Jeremy R. McCandless examines 2 Samuel 9 as a vivid Old Testament example of grace and kindness. He frames the chapter with Ephesians 4—where Paul commands believers to “put off” bitterness and “put on” kindness—then reads and walks through the story of David’s honoring of his covenant with Jonathan by showing mercy to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. McCandless draws the connection between David’s actions and the gospel: God seeks out the broken, restores what was lost, and adopts the undeserving into his family.
Passage summary (2 Samuel 9:1–15)
- Context: After becoming king, David asks if anyone remains from Saul’s house whom he can treat kindly for Jonathan’s sake.
- Key characters:
- David — now king, remembers his promise to Jonathan.
- Ziba — former servant of Saul; reports that Jonathan’s son is alive.
- Mephibosheth (spelled various ways in the transcript) — Jonathan’s son, crippled in both feet since childhood, living in Lo‑Debar (a remote, barren place).
- The encounter:
- David summons Mephibosheth; the young man prostrates himself, expecting judgment.
- David assures him: “Do not be afraid; I will show you kindness for Jonathan’s sake.”
- David restores to Mephibosheth all the land of Saul (justice/restoration) and invites him to eat continually at the king’s table, like one of the king’s sons (grace/adoption).
- David assigns Ziba—who had 15 sons and 20 servants—to farm the land so Mephibosheth will have provision.
- Mephibosheth lives in Jerusalem and regularly eats at David’s table.
Main theological points and interpretation
- David’s motive: Primarily to honor his covenant with Jonathan (repeated in the text), not merely political gain—though the action also helps unify the kingdom.
- Justice vs. kindness:
- Justice/restoration: returning Saul’s land gives Mephibosheth security and dignity.
- Kindness/grace: the permanent seat at the king’s table reflects adoption into the royal family—an unearned gift.
- Christological/Gospel parallel:
- Mephibosheth represents the fallen, broken human condition (exile, disability, fear).
- David’s seeking, restoring, and welcoming prefigure God’s seeking of sinners, restoration through Christ, and adoption into God’s family.
- Ephesians 4 link: Kindness is the practical antidote to bitterness, anger, malice—Christian transformation should produce habitual, consistent kindness toward others.
Notable quotes from the episode / passage
- David’s question (2 Sam. 9:1): “Is there yet anyone left of Saul’s house that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
- David to Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:7): “Do not be afraid; for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan’s sake.”
- David’s promise: “You shall eat bread at my table continually.”
- Mephibosheth’s humility: “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I am?”
Practical applications & takeaways
- Honor those who shaped you: remember them, tell their stories, support their families, and carry forward their legacy (as David honored Jonathan).
- Make kindness a habit: the New Testament call is not to sporadic charity but consistent, habitual kindness—“put on” kindness as a way of life.
- Practically welcome others: restore dignity where possible, provide security, and include the vulnerable—“make room at your table.”
- Reflect gospel realities: recognize your own need for grace and let that awareness drive compassion toward others.
Brief pastoral conclusions
- 2 Samuel 9 models covenantal love expressed as practical mercy: restoration of what was lost plus a welcome into family life.
- If you’ve been a recipient of grace, the natural response is to extend grace. Christian life flows from faith (trust in God) into love (kindness toward others).
- The episode invites listeners to live out kindness intentionally, honoring promises and people, and reflecting the gospel in everyday relationships.
Sources referenced in the episode: 2 Samuel 9 (the “succession narrative” of 2 Samuel 9–20), Ephesians 4.