A Biblical Story of God’s Lovingkindness Story of Mephibosheth

Chanan (2603) Cheçed (2617) “Chanan–Mercy” is based on circumstances. Two Different Hebrew Words for “Mercy” Chanan (2603) “to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior” Translated as: “mercy, pity, compassion” Cheçed (2617) “God’s covenant love” Translated as: “mercy, lovingkindness” “Chanan–Mercy” is based on circumstances. “Cheçed–Mercy” is based on covenant!

Story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) Brief History Saul was Israel’s first king. Reigned 40 years. After David killed Goliath, Saul is jealous and keeps trying to kill David. (1 Samuel 10-31) 2. King Saul and his son Jonathan die in battle. 3. David is made king by tribe of Judah only. 4. Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, is made king by Abner, Saul’s commander-in-chief. Long war between the “House of Saul” the “House of David” (2 Samuel 3:1) 5. Because of a misunderstanding, Abner stops supporting Ishbosheth and decides to support King David! 6. Abner is tragically killed by David’s men. Ishbosheth is assassinated by his captains. 7. The rest of the tribes join Judah and accept David as their king.

Story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) Brief History (continued) 2 Samuel 4:4 (NIV) “Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth.”

Mephibosheth’s trajedy, thrust him out of palace luxury Story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) In the Hebrew, “Mephibosheth” means: “Breathing out shame” or “A shameful thing” Mephibosheth’s trajedy, thrust him out of palace luxury to live as a fugitive from the king he is so afraid of.

“No Place of Pasture” Story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) Brief History (continued) 2 Samuel 9:4 “And the king said unto him, ‘Where is he (Mephibosheth)?’ And Ziba said unto the king, ‘Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-Debar.’” In the Hebrews “Lo-Debar” means: “No Place of Pasture” (just a no-good, worthless place!)

David and Jonathan had made a “Covenant” many years before. Story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) Brief History (continued) 2 Samuel 9:1 “And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” David and Jonathan had made a “Covenant” many years before. (1 Samuel 18:1-4 & 21:14-17)

“Covenant Love” Story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel) Brief History (continued) 2 Samuel 9:3 “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.’” In the Hebrew, “Kindness” is “Chesed”: “Covenant Love”

“Fetching Grace” Story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) Brief History (continued) 2 Samuel 9:5 “Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-Debar.” Consider God’s Powerful & Amazing “Fetching Grace”

Our “Un” - State 1. UN– Able 2. UN– Willing 3. UN– Worthy Mephibosheth had crippled feet! 2. UN– Willing Mephibosheth was afraid of the king! 3. UN– Worthy Mephibosheth deserved death!

7 Events of Grace He fell upon his face. 2. David broke the silence first. 3. David calls out his name. 4. Mephibosheth acknowledges his name. 5. David says: “Fear not!” 6. David says: “I will . . .” 7. Mephibosheth says: “Who am I?”

Mephibosheth’s Portion! Life 2. Peace 3. Inheritance 4. Daily bounty at the King’s banquet table 5. Honored position as one of the King’s sons

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