2 Samuel 19:25

KJV

And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when he was come {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389} to meet {H7125} the king {H4428}, that the king {H4428} said {H559} unto him, Wherefore wentest {H1980} not thou with me, Mephibosheth {H4648}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When he came to Yerushalayim to meet the king, the king said to him, "Why didn't you go with me, M'fivoshet?"

Berean Standard Bible

And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a poignant moment of confrontation and potential misunderstanding as King David, recently returned to Jerusalem after the defeat of Absalom's rebellion, directly questions Mephibosheth. This marks the king's first direct address to Mephibosheth since his flight, setting the stage for Mephibosheth’s earnest defense against the earlier accusations of disloyalty made by his servant Ziba. It is a pivotal point where David seeks clarity, and Mephibosheth is afforded the opportunity to clear his name and reaffirm his steadfast loyalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King David's tumultuous return to Jerusalem following the suppression of Absalom's rebellion. Earlier in the narrative, as David fled Jerusalem, he encountered Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, who brought provisions and falsely accused Mephibosheth of remaining in Jerusalem in hopes of reclaiming his grandfather Saul's kingdom ([2 Samuel 16:1-4](/2_samuel/16-1 "2 Samuel 16:1-4 - Ziba's Deception")). Based on this misleading information, David rashly awarded all of Mephibosheth's property to Ziba. Upon David's triumphant return, Mephibosheth comes to meet him, visibly unkempt and mourning, indicating he had not cared for himself since David left ([2 Samuel 19:24](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24 - Mephibosheth's Appearance")). This verse, [2 Samuel 19:25](/2_samuel/19-25 "2 Samuel 19:25 - David Questions Mephibosheth"), marks David's direct questioning of Mephibosheth regarding his absence, initiating the opportunity for Mephibosheth to explain himself and clear his name, which he does in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 19:26-28](/2_samuel/19-26 "2 Samuel 19:26-28 - Mephibosheth's Defense")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, loyalty to the king was paramount, and disloyalty was considered a grave offense, often punishable by death. Kings held immense authority, and their decrees, even if based on incomplete information, were binding. The concept of covenant faithfulness, particularly as exemplified by David's oath to Jonathan regarding his descendants ([2 Samuel 9:1-7](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1-7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")), played a significant role in David's initial kindness to Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth's physical disability (lameness, [2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Lameness")) also placed him in a vulnerable position, making him dependent on the king's favor and susceptible to the machinations of others, like Ziba, who sought to exploit his condition for personal gain. The meeting at Jerusalem signifies the re-establishment of royal order and the king's dealing with unresolved issues from his flight.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of 2 Samuel and broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **false accusation and the danger of hasty judgment**, as David's initial decision regarding Mephibosheth's property was based solely on Ziba's deceitful report, underscoring the biblical principle of hearing all sides before judging, as seen in [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - Hearing Both Sides"). The verse also sets up the contrast between **loyalty and betrayal**, with Mephibosheth's true devotion to David standing in stark opposition to Ziba's opportunistic and self-serving treachery. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **restoration and justice** as David, now back on his throne, begins to address the wrongs committed during his absence, seeking clarity and potentially righting the injustices that occurred. The king's question initiates a process of truth-telling and the potential for a just resolution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wherefore (Hebrew, _lammah'_):** This interrogative adverb translates to "why?" or "for what reason?" In David's mouth, it is not merely a neutral inquiry but carries a tone of expectation, disappointment, or even an implicit accusation. It demands an explanation for Mephibosheth's perceived absence and failure to accompany the king, reflecting David's prior judgment based on Ziba's slander.
* **wentest not thou (Hebrew, _lo'-halakhta'_):** This phrase, combining the negative particle "not" (_lo'_) with the verb "to go" (_halakh_) in the second person masculine singular, directly negates the expected action. It emphasizes David's assumption that Mephibosheth *should* have been with him, highlighting the perceived dereliction of duty and the basis for David's earlier punitive action.
* **Mephibosheth (Hebrew, _Mephiboshet'_):** The direct address of Mephibosheth by name underscores the personal nature of the confrontation. The name itself, meaning "man of shame" or "from the mouth of shame" (a euphemism for "Baal" or "idols" in Hebrew, as in Ish-bosheth), subtly reminds the reader of his vulnerable lineage as Saul's grandson, a lineage that David had previously shown great kindness to for Jonathan's sake ([2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Covenant with Jonathan")). This personal address makes the king's question all the more impactful, as it comes from one who had previously shown him immense favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king":** This opening clause sets the immediate scene, emphasizing David's triumphant return to the capital, a symbol of his restored kingship. Crucially, it highlights Mephibosheth's proactive decision to go out and meet the king, demonstrating his continued loyalty and eagerness to present himself, despite his physical limitations and the accusations against him.
* **"that the king said unto him":** This simple declarative statement signifies the direct, personal nature of the interaction. David, now re-established in his authority, immediately addresses the unresolved issue concerning Mephibosheth, indicating the importance of the matter to him.
* **"Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?":** This is the core of the verse—David's direct, pointed, and accusatory question. It reveals David's prior assumption that Mephibosheth had deliberately chosen not to accompany him during his flight. The question is a demand for an explanation, opening the door for Mephibosheth to present his side of the story and refute Ziba's slander. It underscores the tension and the need for clarification in the wake of false reports.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its meaning and dramatic tension. **Dialogue** is central, as David's direct question immediately plunges the reader into the heart of the conflict and sets the stage for Mephibosheth's subsequent defense. There is a powerful use of **Juxtaposition** between Mephibosheth's visibly unkempt and mourning appearance (described in the preceding verse, [2 Samuel 19:24](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24 - Mephibosheth's Appearance")) and David's accusatory question. This contrast creates dramatic irony, as the reader (and implicitly David, upon seeing Mephibosheth) is prompted to question the earlier narrative of disloyalty. The question itself acts as a form of **Interrogation**, demanding an account and initiating a process of truth-seeking. This moment also serves as **Foreshadowing**, as David's direct inquiry signals that the truth about Ziba's deception and Mephibosheth's loyalty is about to be revealed, leading to a potential resolution of the injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal exchange highlights the critical importance of seeking truth and exercising discernment before rendering judgment. David's initial rash decision to punish Mephibosheth based solely on Ziba's testimony serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of incomplete information and the ease with which deception can lead to injustice. The narrative underscores God's ultimate concern for truth and justice, even when human leaders err. It also showcases the enduring power of covenant faithfulness, as Mephibosheth's loyalty to David, rooted in David's earlier covenant with Jonathan, remained steadfast despite the king's misunderstanding and the servant's betrayal. God often works through such human interactions, revealing hidden motives and vindicating the innocent, demonstrating His sovereignty over human affairs and His commitment to righteousness.

* [Proverbs 18:17](/proverbs/18-17 "Proverbs 18:17 - The First to Plead His Case Seems Right")
* [Psalm 101:5](/psalm/101-5 "Psalm 101:5 - Dealing with Slander")
* [2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [2 Samuel 19:25](/2_samuel/19-25 "2 Samuel 19:25 - David Questions Mephibosheth") offers profound lessons for contemporary life. David's initial error in judgment, based on Ziba's cunning deception, serves as a powerful cautionary tale against acting on partial information or hearsay. It compels us to cultivate a posture of humility and patience, diligently seeking the full story from all perspectives before forming opinions or making decisions that impact others. Mephibosheth's response, characterized by his visible mourning and his subsequent earnest explanation, models integrity and unwavering loyalty even in the face of false accusation and profound misunderstanding. His example challenges us to maintain our character and devotion, even when slandered or unjustly treated, trusting that truth will ultimately prevail. This narrative encourages us to be discerning, to guard against those who manipulate for personal gain, and to extend grace and the benefit of the doubt, remembering that true justice often requires a patient and thorough investigation of the facts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we tend to react when we feel falsely accused or misunderstood by those in authority or by our peers?**
* **What practical steps can we take in our daily lives to ensure we hear all sides of a story before forming judgments or taking action?**
* **In what ways does Mephibosheth's steadfast loyalty, despite his physical vulnerability and the accusations against him, challenge our own commitment to integrity?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of discernment to identify and guard against deceptive influences in our relationships and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why did David ask this question, given his previous judgment against Mephibosheth?**

Answer: David had previously acted on Ziba's false report, awarding Mephibosheth's entire inheritance to Ziba ([2 Samuel 16:3-4](/2_samuel/16-3 "2 Samuel 16:3-4 - David's Hasty Judgment")). However, upon David's return to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth came to meet him in a state of profound mourning and dishevelment, indicating he had not cared for himself since David's departure ([2 Samuel 19:24](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24 - Mephibosheth's Appearance")). This visible demonstration of loyalty and grief likely prompted David to reconsider his hasty judgment or at least to seek direct clarification from Mephibosheth himself. The question, therefore, represents an opportunity for David to re-evaluate the situation and for Mephibosheth to present his defense.

**What was Mephibosheth's condition when he met David, and what did it signify?**

Answer: According to [2 Samuel 19:24](/2_samuel/19-24 "2 Samuel 19:24 - Mephibosheth's Appearance"), Mephibosheth had not "dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes" from the day David left Jerusalem until his return. This unkempt appearance was a clear and powerful sign of his deep mourning for the king's absence and his profound loyalty. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a state of neglect was a customary expression of grief and distress, directly contradicting Ziba's claim that Mephibosheth was celebrating David's downfall. It served as a visual testimony to his true devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between David and Mephibosheth in [2 Samuel 19:25](/2_samuel/19-25 "2 Samuel 19:25 - David Questions Mephibosheth") provides a poignant foreshadowing of the perfect King, Jesus Christ, and His relationship with His people. Just as Mephibosheth, lame and falsely accused, was brought into the king's presence, so too are we, spiritually lame and under the condemnation of sin, brought before the King of Kings. Our "lameness" represents our inability to come to God on our own merit, a condition from which only divine grace can deliver us ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). While David, a flawed earthly king, initially judged Mephibosheth based on false testimony, Jesus, the ultimate King, perfectly discerns the truth of every heart ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knows All People")). He is not swayed by the false accusations of the accuser of the brethren ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser Cast Down")) but stands as our faithful advocate ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), removing the "shame" of our sin and inviting us, the spiritually disabled and outcast, to feast at His table in the kingdom of God, fulfilling the ultimate covenant of grace ([Luke 14:15-24](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15-24 - The Parable of the Great Banquet")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 16:17

And Absalom said to Hushai, [Is] this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?