My name is Mephibosheth. I’m reclining on a damask covered couch, selecting food from the generous array of sweetmeats before me. My servant, Ziba, has just come to report on the good harvest. I am content.
But it was not always like this. Most of my life I have been hiding and fearing for my life. When I was a baby my nurse dropped me, causing me to be crippled in both feet. Jonathan, my father, died when I was only five years old, a life of hiding followed. When David became king, I expected he would kill all the relative of my father but I managed to escape detection.
Then one day the king discovered where I was hiding and summoned me to appear before him. That was when I felt real fear. I tried to kneel before him to pay homage and acknowledge that I was his servant. His words astonished me.
‘Mephibosheth, do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father, Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather, Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’ 2 Samuel 9:7
As I said, my lands are well managed by Ziba, his fifteen sons and twenty servants. I want for nothing. I am able to be taken to the temple to give thanks to the one true God who encouraged David to have mercy on me.