Translations
Original
Notes
show kindness: The Hebrew word khesed refers to covenant loyalty and faithfulness (steadfast commitment within a relationship). It often describes God’s faithful commitment to his people. It can also describe deep devotion and loyalty between two people.
Here, David uses khesed in a way that echoes the covenant of friendship he made with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:12–17).
for the sake of Jonathan: David showed kindness because of his promise to Jonathan. Mephibosheth was Saul’s only remaining descendant and Jonathan’s only son.
David showed mercy to Mephibosheth, the disabled son of Jonathan. This account appears between reports of David’s military victories (2 Samuel 8:1–18, 10). Its placement shows that David not only achieved success in war but also cared for individuals and acted with compassion.
Events
People
David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel
Glossary
David Kindness Kings, Books of First and Second Mephibosheth Samuel, Books of First and Second
Topics
Friendship: David and Jonathan Jonathan: Son of Saul: Son of, Cared for by David Kindness: David to Mephibosheth Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan: David Entertains Him at his Table Servant: Good of Ziba Ziba: His Fidelity to Mephibosheth