King David had promised his late friend, Jonathan, that he would take care of his children. Ziba, a servant of the House of Saul, asks the new king to care for Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s only surviving son. David remembers his pact and treats Mephibosheth generously. He allows him to eat at his table permanently and instructs Ziba and Saul’s other servants to farm the lands their master had inherited. By honoring his promise, David positions himself as a moral and kind king who takes care of the underprivileged. Tending to others diligently is a paramount value – God’s light is everyone’s birthright.
“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 9:3)
“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 9:7)
Generosity is giving beyond the level of comfort, with an open heart and an open hand.
