Year 1, Week 37, Day 4 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 37, Day 4

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18; Psalm 50.

Today’s reading consists of three chapters that cover the same historical era. 2 Samuel 8-9 and 1 Chronicles 18 parallel each other as they describe military campaigns that David led, which resulted in an expansion of Israel’s borders. David’s military victories up to this point—like those victories recorded 2 Samuel 5—were defensive in posture; wherein, David reclaimed Israelite territory as he turned back enemy invaders. But now, David’s military activity is offensive in posture; wherein, David expanded Israelite territory in areas that were reflective of what was promised to Abraham (see Genesis 15:18-21) and confirmed to Moses (Deuteronomy 1:7, 11:24). David acknowledged that it was the LORD who achieved the victory: "And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went” (2 Samuel 8:6, 14; 1 Chronicles 18:6, 13). Psalm 50, while it is ascribed as a Psalm of Asaph, it is written with the LORD Himself issuing a summons: “The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth” (Psalm 50:1-2). Psalm 50 issues an indictment from the LORD against His people who do not understand their need for gratitude toward and prayerful dependence upon the LORD: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:14-15).

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was David’s treatment of Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan. The kindness or steadfast love that David would show toward Mephibosheth reflected the steadfast love that David had need shown by the LORD: “Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld” (Proverbs 20:28). David would do what he did for Mephibosheth, in part, because of Jonathan: “And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1). David and Jonathan had established a covenant with each other. Their covenant reflected the loyalty that they would seek to maintain toward each other, but also toward their families: “And Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness!…Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city” (1 Samuel 20:12, 42). Mephibosheth was found and brought to Jerusalem in order that he might enjoy all the blessings that David’s very sons would receive: “So Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons” (2 Samuel 9:11b). It is pointed out that Mephibosheth was physically disabled: “So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet” (2 Samuel 9:13). The kindness or steadfast love that David committed to showing Mephibosheth was much, much more than simply being nice; David brought Mephibosheth into his as a covenant member of His family and pledged not merely a resolve to do him good, but to express warmth and affection as well.

It is intriguing that David’s actions toward Mephibosheth are located in the middle of David’s great military advances. David was establishing himself as a great warrior-fierce in battle and bold in courage. But David was much more than a warrior; David was generous and kind. Mephibosheth offered little practical assistance to David. Mephibosheth was helpless, did not benefit David, but David brought much benefit to Mephibosheth. The nature of this arrangement is a true portrait of the arrangement between the LORD and His people: “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine” (Psalm 50:10-12). There is a certain kind of one way street when it comes to who helps who in our relationship with the LORD.

Mephibosheth was not only helpless before David, Mephibosheth was from the line of Saul, the rival dynasty. 2 Samuel began with a war between David and Ishbosheth, from the house of Saul. In showing steadfast toward Mephibosheth, David showed steadfast love to a natural enemy. But this is exactly the kind of thing that the LORD does: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:6-10). Helpless…sinners…enemies, now sitting and eating at the king’s table. David’s steadfast love toward Mephibosheth is a glimpse of the Son of David who loves us—His Mephibosheth's.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe