He Refused to Become Bitter

MEPHIBOSHETH was the grandson of a powerful king and the son of a courageous and faithful man. But when that boy was five years old, his life was suddenly rocked by tragedy and loss. His grandfather Saul was wounded in battle and then killed himself. His father, Jonathan, was slain in the same battle. When Mephibosheth’s nurse heard this shocking news, she picked the child up and began to flee in panic. The boy fell, severely injuring his feet. He was crippled for life.

It seems that Mephibosheth never became bitter over his misfortunes. An Israelite named Machir provided shelter for him. In time, King David remembered that he had promised his dear friend Jonathan that he would care for any members of his household. (1 Sam. 20:14-17) The king summoned Mephibosheth.

Mephibosheth was afraid. He was from the family of wicked King Saul. Might David have decided to do away with him? Still, he obeyed and went to the king. David spoke kindly to him, restored Saul’s property to him, and told him: “You will always dine at my table.” Overwhelmed with appreciation, Mephibosheth asked why the king would honor such a lowly man. He even compared himself to a dead dog!

In time, though, disaster struck again. David’s son Absalom led a revolt, and the king had to flee from Jerusalem. Mephibosheth’s servant, Ziba, went to assist David, but he left his master behind. Mephibosheth was helpless to follow, yet he found a way to show his loyalty and grief. He stopped tending to his beard and mustache, as would a man in mourning. Absalom’s revolt was eventually defeated, and David returned to Jerusalem in peace. However, David was disappointed with Mephibosheth. Why?

Ziba had slandered his master. When helping David, Ziba had told the king that Mephibosheth was a traitor who had stayed behind in Jerusalem because he hoped to become king himself. Imagine how David felt. He had recently been betrayed not only by his own son but also by Ahithophel, his trusted friend and adviser. So perhaps he was prepared to believe the worst. He decreed that Mephibosheth’s inheritance, the estate of King Saul, should be handed over to Ziba.

When Mephibosheth learned of Ziba’s slander, he went to see the offended king, hoping to tell David what had really happened. David demanded to know why Mephibosheth had not left Jerusalem with him. Mephibosheth explained his absence by reminding the king that his “servant is crippled” and revealing that Ziba had tricked him. David likely noticed that Mephibosheth had been showing his grief by leaving his mustache and beard unkempt. Did that not suggest that Mephibosheth had been grieving for the king instead of plotting against him? In any case, David was irritated. He brusquely asked Mephibosheth why he was still talking. Then he adjusted his earlier decree, but only partway. He said that Mephibosheth and Ziba should share Saul’s estate.

Share his inheritance with the traitorous servant who had slandered him to the king? Mephibosheth could have felt outraged. In the face of injustice, it is easy to give in to a bitter, resentful spirit. (Deut. 19:18, 19) It takes courage to focus, not on self-pity and the wrongs of others, but on such important matters as how to pursue peace. Which way would Mephibosheth choose?

He answered David with the mildest of words: “Let [Ziba] take it all, now that my lord the king has come to his house in peace.” That humble man cared deeply about the king who represented Jehovah’s righteous rulership. He refused to let being slandered or being swindled out of his property embitter him or rob him of his peace with God. It may be true that this man never once wielded a sword in battle​—but he showed more courage than many who did!

Read the Bible account:

• 2 Samuel 4:4; 9:1-13; 16:1-4; 19:24-30

For discussion:

In what ways did Mephibosheth show courage?

Dig Deeper

1. 1. Before Mephibosheth was brought before David, he lived “in the house of Machir.” What else indicates that Machir was a loyal and hospitable man? (2 Sam. 9:3, 4; it “Machir” No. 2)

   Your answer

2. 2. Why did Mephibosheth compare himself to “a dead dog”? (2 Sam. 9:8; it “Dog” ¶5) A

   Your answer

   

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3. 3. Why would seeking the kingship have been completely out of character for Mephibosheth? (w02 2/15 14 ¶11, ftn.) B

   Your answer

   

4. 4. In what ways did Jehovah bless Mephibosheth after the events reported in this account? (it “Mephibosheth” No. 2 ¶3)

   Your answer

Reflect on the Lessons

• Many suffer from depression or other challenges that their brothers and sisters may not fully understand. What comforting lessons can they learn from Mephibosheth?

  Your answer

• After hearing just one report, David gave away Mephibosheth’s property. What do we learn about the danger of acting rashly and the importance of getting the facts? C

  Your answer

  

• How might you imitate the courage of Mephibosheth in your life?

  Your answer

Meditate on the Bigger Picture

• What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

  Your answer

• How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?

  Your answer

• What would I like to ask Mephibosheth in the resurrection?

  Your answer

Learn More

Consider how we can imitate Mephibosheth when we feel that we have been treated unjustly.

How They Sowed and Reaped Peace​—Mephibosheth (3:25)

If a child feels that he doesn’t belong, how can parents use the account of Mephibosheth to help him?

“Have You Ever Felt Like an Outsider?” (w11 6/1 26-27)