2 Samuel 21:7

KJV

But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that [was] between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the king {H4428} spared {H2550} Mephibosheth {H4648}, the son {H1121} of Jonathan {H3083} the son {H1121} of Saul {H7586}, because of the LORD'S {H3068} oath {H7621} that was between them, between David {H1732} and Jonathan {H3083} the son {H1121} of Saul {H7586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the king spared M'fivoshet, the son of Y'honatan the son of Sha'ul, because of the oath before ADONAI between David and Y'honatan the son of Sha'ul.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

American Standard Version

But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of Jehovah’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 21:7 presents a powerful demonstration of King David's unwavering commitment to a sacred covenant, even amidst a national crisis demanding retribution. Following a severe famine, revealed to be divine judgment for King Saul's violation of an ancient covenant with the Gibeonites, David is compelled to deliver several of Saul's male descendants for execution. However, this verse highlights a crucial exception: David spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, not due to political maneuvering, but solely because of the solemn, divinely witnessed oath that had been established between David and Jonathan. This act profoundly underscores the sanctity of covenant faithfulness in ancient Israel and reveals a deep facet of David's personal integrity and spiritual character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within a narrative in [2 Samuel 21](/2_samuel/21 "2 Samuel 21 - Famine and Gibeonite Retribution") that addresses a three-year famine plaguing Israel. When David seeks the Lord's counsel, he discovers the famine is a direct consequence of Saul's breach of the ancient covenant with the Gibeonites, established centuries earlier by Joshua ([Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - The Gibeonite Covenant")). To atone for this grave sin, the Gibeonites demand the lives of seven of Saul's male descendants, which David reluctantly grants. Amidst this grim act of corporate justice, [2 Samuel 21:7](/2_samuel/21-7 "2 Samuel 21:7 - David Spares Mephibosheth") serves as a critical counterpoint, showcasing David's selective application of this judgment. His decision to spare Mephibosheth, while handing over other members of Saul's house, underscores the tension between national retribution and personal covenant fidelity, emphasizing David's profound loyalty to Jonathan and the enduring power of their sacred bond.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Covenants and oaths were the bedrock of social, political, and religious life in the ancient Near East, often involving divine witnesses and carrying severe consequences for their violation. The Gibeonite covenant, though secured through deception, was nevertheless considered binding before God ([Joshua 9:18-20](/joshua/9-18-20 "Joshua 9:18-20 - The Oath to the Gibeonites")). Saul's attempt to annihilate the Gibeonites was a profound breach, leading to divine judgment in the form of famine, highlighting the belief in corporate guilt where a leader's sin could affect the entire nation. Furthermore, the practice of eliminating rival dynastic lines was a common, brutal method for securing a king's rule in the ancient world. David's decision to spare Mephibosheth, a potential claimant to the throne as a direct descendant of Saul, was therefore not merely an act of covenant fidelity but also a counter-cultural display of mercy and integrity, defying political expediency.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme illuminated by this verse is **Covenant Faithfulness**. David's unwavering commitment to the solemn oath he made with Jonathan, which bound them to perpetual kindness toward each other's descendants ([1 Samuel 20:12-17](/1_samuel/20-12-17 "1 Samuel 20:12-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David") and [1 Samuel 20:42](/1_samuel/20-42 "1 Samuel 20:42 - David and Jonathan's Oath")), is the sole reason for Mephibosheth's preservation. This highlights the profound sanctity of oaths made before the Lord. Another significant theme is **Grace and Mercy**. While the broader narrative of [2 Samuel 21](/2_samuel/21 "2 Samuel 21 - Divine Justice and Retribution") focuses on divine justice and retribution for Saul's transgression, David's act toward Mephibosheth introduces a powerful note of undeserved kindness. This echoes David's earlier extension of grace to Mephibosheth in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), where he brought him to eat at the king's table. The verse also implicitly touches upon **The Binding Nature of an Oath**, demonstrating that commitments made before God, even personal ones, could supersede political necessity or even the demands for justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term (H4428) refers to the reigning monarch, holding supreme authority and responsibility within the kingdom. In this context, it emphasizes David's sovereign power to decide the fate of Saul's descendants, making his act of sparing Mephibosheth a deliberate and authoritative choice, not a mere oversight. His identity as "the king" underscores the weight and significance of his decision.
* **spared (Hebrew, _châmal'_):** This verb (H2550) signifies "to commiserate," "to have compassion," "to pity," or "to spare." It denotes an active decision to withhold harm or punishment, motivated by mercy or a higher obligation. David's action is not passive but a conscious exercise of compassion, demonstrating his personal integrity and adherence to his prior commitment rather than succumbing to the pressure of retribution.
* **oath (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwʻâh'_):** This noun (H7621), derived from the root meaning "to swear," refers to a solemn declaration or promise made under oath, often invoking God's name or authority as a witness and guarantor. Such an oath was considered profoundly binding and its violation a grave offense against God Himself. The explicit mention of "the LORD'S oath" emphasizes its divine sanction and the inviolable sacredness of the commitment between David and Jonathan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul":** The opening conjunction "But" (וַיַּחְמֹל, _wayyaḥmōl_) immediately signals a sharp contrast with the preceding narrative, where other descendants of Saul were handed over for execution. David, acting in his capacity as "the king," exercises his ultimate authority not to condemn, but to show mercy. The precise identification of Mephibosheth as "the son of Jonathan the son of Saul" is crucial. It establishes his direct lineage to the condemned house of Saul, yet simultaneously highlights his unique and protected status through his father, Jonathan, and the covenant he shared with David. This specific naming underscores the personal and covenantal nature of David's decision.
* **"because of the LORD'S oath that [was] between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul":** This clause provides the explicit and singular justification for David's extraordinary act of mercy. The phrase "because of" (עַל־דְּבַר, _ʿal-dĕḇar_) firmly points to the oath as the foundational and overriding reason. The oath is specifically designated as "the LORD'S oath," emphasizing its divine witness and inviolable nature, making it a sacred bond that superseded other demands. The repetition of "between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul" serves to powerfully reinforce the direct parties involved in this sacred, binding agreement, making it unequivocally clear that David's fidelity was not arbitrary but deeply rooted in a divinely sanctioned commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Emphasis**. The opening conjunction "But" immediately sets Mephibosheth's fate in stark contrast to the grim destiny of the other descendants of Saul mentioned immediately prior in [2 Samuel 21:6](/2_samuel/21-6 "2 Samuel 21:6 - Seven Sons of Saul Delivered"). This highlights David's unique fidelity amidst a broader narrative of retribution and divine justice. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** achieved through repetition, particularly in the detailed identification of Mephibosheth's lineage ("the son of Jonathan the son of Saul") and the explicit reiteration of the parties to the oath ("between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul"). This repetition underscores the specific nature of the relationship and the binding power of the covenant. The explicit declaration of the reason for David's action ("because of the LORD'S oath") functions as a form of **Explication**, leaving no ambiguity about David's motivation and elevating the importance of covenant keeping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the sanctity of oaths and covenants made before God, demonstrating that such commitments, even personal ones, carry immense weight and can supersede other forms of justice or political expediency. David's faithfulness to Jonathan's covenant, even when it meant sparing a potential dynastic rival in a time of national crisis, reflects a deep understanding of divine integrity and the importance of keeping one's word. It also subtly points to God's own covenant faithfulness, suggesting that if a human king can uphold such a promise, how much more will the divine King remain true to His everlasting covenants with humanity. This act of grace, extended to Mephibosheth, a descendant of a condemned house, foreshadows a greater divine mercy that reaches those who are otherwise deserving of judgment.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Keeping Vows to the Lord")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalms/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - The Righteous Person's Oath")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision to spare Mephibosheth in [2 Samuel 21:7](/2_samuel/21-7 "2 Samuel 21:7 - David Spares Mephibosheth") provides a profound lesson in integrity, covenant faithfulness, and the transformative power of grace. In a world often driven by self-interest, political expediency, and the pursuit of personal advantage, David's unwavering commitment to an oath made years earlier, even when it was personally inconvenient or politically risky, stands as a powerful example. It challenges us to consider the weight of our own promises, not just those made explicitly to God, but also those made to our neighbors, colleagues, and family. Are we people of our word, even when keeping that word comes at a significant cost or requires us to act against prevailing norms? Furthermore, David's act of mercy, extended to one who might otherwise have been condemned, reminds us of the call to extend grace and compassion, mirroring the divine mercy we ourselves have received. This verse encourages us to live with a deep sense of accountability to our commitments, recognizing that true character is revealed not in what we gain, but in how faithfully we honor our bonds and extend kindness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What promises have I made, perhaps long ago, that I need to revisit and ensure I am honoring with integrity?**
* **How does David's faithfulness to Jonathan's oath challenge my own commitment to integrity in my relationships and responsibilities, especially when it is difficult?**
* **In what areas of my life am I called to extend grace or mercy, even when it feels counter-intuitive, costly, or undeserved by the recipient?**

### FAQ

**Why was David sparing Mephibosheth significant in this context?**

Answer: David's act of sparing Mephibosheth was profoundly significant because it demonstrated his unwavering fidelity to a sacred oath he had made with Jonathan, Mephibosheth's father. At a time when other descendants of Saul were being executed as atonement for Saul's grave sin against the Gibeonites, David's decision to exempt Mephibosheth highlighted that his personal covenant with Jonathan, sworn before the Lord, took precedence over the general retribution being exacted. It underscored David's integrity and the binding nature of divinely witnessed promises, even amidst political and national crises. This act also showcased David's consistent kindness towards Mephibosheth, as previously seen in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), where he brought him into his household and gave him a permanent place at the king's table.

**What was the nature of the oath between David and Jonathan?**

Answer: The oath between David and Jonathan was a solemn covenant of friendship and loyalty, established in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"). It was a profoundly personal agreement, sworn before the Lord, where Jonathan asked David to show kindness not only to him but also to his descendants forever, once David became king. David, in turn, promised to do so, even to the extent of cutting off his own house if he failed to keep the oath. This oath was deeply spiritual, carrying the weight of a divine witness, making it an unbreakable bond that transcended their respective positions as heir to the throne and future king. The specific terms of the oath are detailed in passages like [1 Samuel 20:12-17](/1_samuel/20-12-17 "1 Samuel 20:12-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David") and [1 Samuel 20:42](/1_samuel/20-42 "1 Samuel 20:42 - David and Jonathan's Oath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan, culminating in the sparing of Mephibosheth, serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to God's ultimate covenant faithfulness in Jesus Christ. Mephibosheth, a lame descendant of a condemned house (Saul's), represents humanity under the curse of sin, alienated from God and deserving of judgment. Yet, because of a sacred covenant (the "LORD'S oath"), he is not only spared from the just consequences of his lineage but is also brought into the king's presence and given a permanent place at the king's table ([2 Samuel 9:7-13](/2_samuel/9-7-13 "2 Samuel 9:7-13 - Mephibosheth at the King's Table")). This powerfully mirrors how God, through His eternal covenant of grace, spares humanity from the just consequences of sin. We are not saved by our merit, but because of His own faithful promise and the perfect, atoning sacrifice of His Son. Just as David acted "because of the LORD'S oath," God acts "because of His great love with which He loved us" ([Ephesians 2:4](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4 - God's Love and Mercy")). Through Christ, we, who were once "alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds," have been "reconciled in his body of flesh by his death" ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")), brought near to God and given a permanent place in His family. We are no longer considered those deserving judgment, but beloved children, all because of the ultimate divine covenant sealed in the blood of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

1 Samuel 18:3

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

1 Samuel 23:18

And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

2 Samuel 4:4

And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth.

1 Samuel 20:15

But [also] thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.

1 Samuel 20:8

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

2 Samuel 9:10

Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits], that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

1 Samuel 20:42

And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.