2 Samuel 19:24-30 Mark of True Loyalty

2 Samuel 19:24-30

Now Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, came down from Jerusalem to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the day the king left Jerusalem. 25 “Why didn’t you come with me, Mephibosheth?” the king asked him.

26 Mephibosheth replied, “My lord the king, my servant Ziba deceived me. I told him, ‘Saddle my donkey so I can go with the king. ’ For as you know I am crippled. 27 Ziba has slandered me by saying that I refused to come. But I know that my lord the king is like an angel of God, so do what you think is best. 28 All my relatives and I could expect only death from you, my lord, but instead you have honored me by allowing me to eat at your own table! What more can I ask?”

29 “You’ve said enough,” David replied. “I’ve decided that you and Ziba will divide your land equally between you.”

30 “Give him all of it,” Mephibosheth said. “I am content just to have you safely back again, my lord the king.”

Background

David’s return to Jerusalem necessitates the settling of unfinished business. It also reveals the true posture of each person’s heart. Mephibosheth’s outward appearance provides indisputable evidence of his loyalty to David. Today’s passage shows us the marks of true loyalty, which are contentment and the sharing of suffering.

Observation

Why didn’t you come with me, Mephibosheth? – Unless we see Mephibosheth as extremely tardy with little regard for his personal hygiene, he has provided indisputable evidence of his loyalty towards David. During the king’s absence, he behaved as if in mourning: He had not cared for his feet, trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes since the day the king left Jerusalem. His defense points to Ziba’s trickery in taking advantage of his disability: For as you know I am crippled. Ziba has slandered me by saying that I refused to come.

All my relatives and I could expect only death from you – Having received mercy from David and treated with much grace and honor, Mephibosheth dares not ask for more: All my relatives and I could expect only death from you, my lord, but instead you have honored me by allowing me to eat at your own table! What more can I ask? David, having initially given his word to transfer the entire estate to Ziba now backtracks and divides the property equally between two of them. David’s compromise in altering his earlier decision is purely pragmatic, as David has no way to validate both their testimonies.

I am content just to have you safely back again, my lord the king – Mephibosheth’s response: Give him all of it, displays his genuine expression of relieve and gratitude for the king’s return. He does not want to gain anything from David apart from his acceptance and fellowship.

Truth

1. Contentment is the mark of abundant living. A contented person is one who treasures relationship above material possessions. He believes relationship with likeminded people translates into abundant living. Material things apart from bringing sustenance to the physical body have no contribution to the souls of men. Relationships undergirded by mutual respect and grace brings joy to the soul no matter how difficult physical circumstances may be. Mephibosheth found joy and contentment through a gracious community within the house of David: I am content just to have you safely back again, my lord the king. On the other hand, Ziba makes himself a scoundrel by abusing David’s trust and betrays Mephibosheth, his master.

When a teacher of the law asked Jesus saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him,

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” Luke 10:27-28

Jesus teaches the secret to abundant living is found in a love-based relationship with God and with men. Therefore, we must not make use of friends for personal benefit and treasure people above material things. We must hold loosely onto material things and hold tightly onto the relationships that matter.

2. Love necessitates the sharing of suffering. When there is love between two people, it necessitates the sharing of suffering for it is impossible to feel apathy towards the suffering of the beloved. The apostle Paul teaches concerning empathy in the community of believers,

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26

Ever since David went into exile, Mephibosheth has been mourning, unable to eat or tend to the routine of self-care. Mephibosheth’s grief concerning David’s predicament is expressed through his mourning, which is an evidence of love and gratitude. Therefore, we as a community of believers must endeavor to share one another’s suffering as well as joy.

Application

How do you derive joy and satisfaction in life? Contentment is displayed by your concern for those around you. Abundant living is shown not by a person’s lavish lifestyle but by his interest in the lives of those around him.

Dear Lord, I will not busy myself in the pursuits of material possessions but to invest my life in relationships of like-minded people. Help me to share the sufferings and joys of those around me and use me to bring abundant life to them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.