2 Samuel 9:13

So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.

So Mephibosheth {H4648} dwelt {H3427} in Jerusalem {H3389}: for he did eat {H398} continually {H8548} at the king's {H4428} table {H7979}; and was lame {H6455} on both {H8147} his feet {H7272}.

But M'fivoshet lived in Yerushalayim; he always ate at the king's table, and he was lame in both legs.

So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.

So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem; for he did eat continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.

Commentary

2 Samuel 9:13 concludes the narrative of King David's profound kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved friend Jonathan. This verse beautifully summarizes Mephibosheth's new, privileged life under David's royal favor, despite his physical infirmity.

Context

This verse is the culmination of King David's compassionate search for any remaining members of Saul's household, driven by his covenant loyalty to Jonathan (see 1 Samuel 20:14-17). Upon discovering Mephibosheth, who was lame from an early age (2 Samuel 4:4) and living in obscurity in Lo-debar, David commanded that all the land of Saul be restored to him. Furthermore, Mephibosheth was to eat at the king's table continually, a place of honor and sustained provision. This final verse confirms that this arrangement was indeed fulfilled, establishing Mephibosheth's permanent place within the royal court in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Faithfulness and Grace: David's actions toward Mephibosheth are not based on Mephibosheth's merit, but solely on David's unwavering commitment to his covenant with Jonathan. This exemplifies profound grace—unmerited favor extended to someone who might otherwise be seen as a threat or an outcast due to his lineage.
  • Royal Provision and Restoration: Mephibosheth, once destitute and forgotten, is brought into the very heart of the kingdom. Eating "continually at the king's table" signifies not just a meal, but a permanent position of honor, security, and unlimited provision. It speaks to a complete restoration of status and dignity.
  • Vulnerability and Dependence: The repeated mention of Mephibosheth being "lame on both his feet" underscores his physical weakness and complete dependence. His lameness highlights the extent of David's grace—he was welcomed not despite his infirmity, but with it, fully embraced into the king's household.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "continually at the king's table" (Hebrew: tamid, meaning "always" or "regularly") emphasizes the permanence and unwavering nature of David's provision. It wasn't an occasional invitation but a fixed, honored position. The detail that he "was lame on both his feet" uses the Hebrew term pisseach, reinforcing his significant and permanent disability, making his privileged position at the royal table all the more remarkable and a testament to David's extraordinary kindness.

Practical Application

This narrative deeply resonates with the believer's relationship with God. Like Mephibosheth, we are often spiritually "lame" or unworthy, separated from God by sin. Yet, through God's incredible grace, made possible by the redemptive work of Christ, we are brought into His family and granted a permanent place at His table. We receive continuous provision, honor, and fellowship, not based on our merit, but on His faithfulness to His covenant. Our weaknesses and imperfections do not disqualify us; rather, they magnify the boundless grace of our King. We are invited to dwell in His presence, fully cared for, despite our shortcomings, much like Mephibosheth dwelled in Jerusalem, eating at David's table.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 9:7 (5 votes)

    And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

  • 2 Samuel 9:3 (3 votes)

    And the king said, [Is] there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, [which is] lame on [his] feet.

  • 2 Samuel 9:10 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 9:11 (3 votes)

    Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king], he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.