What characteristics do you look for in others?

2 Samuel 9

When you see the attributes of God in a person, not all of them, but some, it brings about respect for the person and as we explore King David’s history certain characteristics jump out at us.  David was faithful to authority and his word, and we are going to see that clearly in chapter 9, he was also merciful.  We will know that he was a promise keeper in his actions to a promise he had made to Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:14-17.

I’m not sure what a King’s schedule is like, but I’m sure when you have won the many victories and have a large army and conquer land and people, it must have been a full-time job.  And yet David recalled his dear friend Jonathan and wondered if anyone from the line of Saul was still living so that he could honor a promise made to Jonathan.

It seems that David was wondering out loud about this and someone recalled Ziba, a servant in the house of Saul.  When Ziba was called to David this is their exchange; “And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”

Do you know where Lo-debar is?  It is east of the Jordan River in Gilead.  I also wondered about Machir the son of Ammiel and why he was taking care of Jonathan’s son?  This is all we know about Machir he was an influential man in that region who cared for Saul’s sons.  He will later in chapter 17 give aid to King David and the people with him as they flee from Absalom.

If you are from the line of Saul and the new King is asking for you, that may not be a good thing, because Kings at that time killed the family of their predecessors.  So when he came to David he bowed down to the ground and paid homage, this had to be a pain for a man in his condition. 

The first words from David to Mephibosheth were, do not be afraid, I’m going to restore all your grandfather's lands and home to you, and will require that Ziba and his 15 sons take care of it for you.  But the best was yet to come, and you will eat at my table each day with my sons.

What characteristics do you look for in others, and do you expect the same thing in your life?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice