The story of Mephibosheth — a forgotten prince, lame in both feet and living far from the palace, was summoned by the very king he had reason to fear, and was met with kindness instead of harm.
This account is found in 2 Samuel 9, when David sought out Saul’s household to keep the promise he had made to his friend Jonathan.
The Story of Mephibosheth
Now that David was settled as king, he remembered the covenant he had made with his friend Jonathan, who had died in battle along with King Saul. David asked whether anyone was left of the house of Saul, so that he might show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake.
A servant of Saul’s household named Ziba was brought to the king. He told David that Jonathan still had a son who was living, a man who was crippled in both feet. This son, Mephibosheth, was staying in the house of Machir in a place called Lo-debar, away from the royal court.
King David sent for him. When Mephibosheth came before the king, he fell on his face and bowed down. He had reason to be afraid, for kings in those days often destroyed the families of the rulers they replaced. But David said to him, Fear not, and called him by name.
David promised to show him kindness for the sake of his father Jonathan. He restored to Mephibosheth all the land that had belonged to Saul, and he said that Mephibosheth would always eat at the king’s table. Amazed, Mephibosheth bowed and called himself unworthy, no better than a dead dog in his own eyes.
David then charged Ziba, along with his sons and servants, to farm the land and bring in its harvest for Mephibosheth’s household. From that day Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem and ate at the king’s table like one of the king’s own sons, even though he remained lame in both his feet.
Key Verses
“Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness” 2 Samuel 9:1
“He fell on his face, and did reverence … Behold thy servant” 2 Samuel 9:6
“Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness … thou shalt eat bread at my table continually” 2 Samuel 9:7
“So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem … was lame on both his feet” 2 Samuel 9:13
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.
What the Story of Mephibosheth Teaches Us
The story shows kindness rooted in a promise kept. David went looking for someone to bless, not because Mephibosheth had earned it, but because David had given his word to Jonathan. Faithful love reaches back and honors old commitments.
It also pictures grace given to the undeserving. Mephibosheth expected nothing and saw himself as worthless, yet he was welcomed to the king’s table as a son. Kindness like this lifts up the weak and the overlooked rather than passing them by.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the story?
In 2 Samuel 9, King David keeps his promise to his friend Jonathan by seeking out Jonathan’s crippled son Mephibosheth. David restores his family land and gives him a permanent place at the royal table.
Who was Mephibosheth?
He was the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. He was lame in both feet, having been injured as a young child, and he lived far from the palace until David sent for him.
Why did David show him kindness?
David had made a covenant of friendship with Jonathan. After Jonathan died, David honored that promise by showing kindness to Jonathan’s surviving son for his father’s sake.
What did David give to Mephibosheth?
David restored all the land that had belonged to Saul and told Mephibosheth he would eat at the king’s table continually, treated as one of the king’s own sons. He also assigned Ziba and his household to work the land for him.
Where is this story in the Bible?
It is found in 2 Samuel 9.