Friendships Renewed

November 24, 2017

2 Samuel 19:24-43

Have you noticed when someone gets to a position of power and influence they acquire many friends, often-old friendships renewed?  When it comes to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson it is somewhat different.  He also came out to meet King David at the Jordan River as he crossed over.  He looks a mess because he has not taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king until the day he returned safety.   David’s question is; “Mephibosheth, why didn’t you come with me?” 

You need to read his reply to the King, and you must recall that Ziba and his sons see Mephibosheth as a weak cripple, and without the King protection as easy prey.  So when David had to flee from his son Absalom, Ziba would not provide him with a donkey to go with the king, and he also lies to David about this matter.   Mephibosheth made this statement: “For my grandfather’s entire family deserves death from my lord the king, but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. So what further right do I have to keep on making appeals to the king?”

There is not any doubt of Ziba’s support as David and his people were leaving Jerusalem led to the decision to split the land between the two men, and I’m also sure that Mephibosheth replied, “let Ziba take it all” was an overstatement to honor David. 

You will recall Barzillai who lived in Rogelim about 50 miles northeast of David’s crossing point and how he provided comfort with food and supplies for David and his people.  He also accompanied David to the Jordan River, and how a gracious king wanted him to cross over with him and let him be the provider for the remainder of his life.  Now Barzillai was around 80, and he wanted to return to his home and family and finish out his life.  He leaves with the kings blessing and the king never forgot his kindness, in fact, he told his son Solomon to show affection to his family when he became king.

As we know the 12 tribes formed Israel and 10 of those were of the northern and 2 were from the South.  David came from the tribe of Benjamin and was the son of Jesse born in Bethlehem.  He followed Saul as King of all of Israel, but the north and the south always seemed to have conflict.  So it should not be any shock that the ten tribes believed they had a more substantial claim to David, and yet the men of Judah replied, “Because the king is our close relative, and they kept going back and forth.  It is like children saying my dad can beat your dad, and the others saying no mine can beat your dad.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice