Unfailing Kindness - Week 6
Christ in Old Testament | Come Sit at the Table
Lesson 6 II Samuel 9
Connecting to one another
To whom are you loyal? Why?
Understanding the Truth with one another
Verse by Verse ~ Topic by Topic ~ Argument by Argument
CONTEXT to Discuss – Jonathan, son of King Saul, loved David and spiritually discerned that David, not himself, was God’s appointed next king of Israel. Saul seems determined to harm David. Therefore, Jonathan and David make a covenant of hesed(steadfast, loyal love) to essentially protect the house and offspring of one another. When Saul explicitly states that David must die so that Jonathan’s house can live, Jonathan keeps covenant and warns David of King Saul’s intent to kill him (1 Sam 18:1-4; 20:13-14, 42). You can read these verses for greater understanding.
King Saul and Jonathan die, and second in line is five-year-old Mephibosheth (destroying shame) also called Meri-baal (the LORD contends). Believing Mephibosheth’s life is in danger, his nurse flees with him, but in her haste to escape, he is injured and crippled in both feet (2 Sam 4:4).
Now at least fifteen years have passed. During these years, David waged war to procure all the Promised Land and established a united Kingdom of Israel and Judah.
Read 2 Samuel 9. Note use of “kindness,” meaning “steadfast, loyal love,” in verse 1.
Today you’re going back to English class to learn a characterization strategy called S.T.E.A.L. (Says, Thinks, Effect on others, Actions, Looks). Remember that an author conveys intent by providing only the details that are pertinent to his point; therefore, do not go beyond the provided details.
1. King David
a. What does David Say to both Ziba and Mephibosheth that reveals his character?
b. Why, do you think, the author does NOT state what David Thinks?
c. What is David’s Effect on Ziba/Mephibosheth? Why?
o Ziba
o Mephibosheth
d. What does David reveal about his character through his Actions?
e. Read 1 Samuel 16:12. Scripture rarely describes a person’s looks. Why is David described?
2. Mephibosheth
a. What does Mephibosheth Say that reveals his character?
b. Scripture rarely states what a character Thinks. But a character’s motivations are sometimes proven by studying their words and actions over time. You’ll see this in Mephibosheth in question 4.
c. What is Mephibosheth’s Effect on David? Consider how David’s name/title changes in this chapter reflect that.
d. What does Mephibosheth reveal about his character through his Actions?
e. What is the one detail that helps us picture what Mephibosheth Looks like?
3. Discuss the beauty of David and Mephibosheth’s relationship. Who is the bridge connecting this adopted son and father? On what basis did he connect them?
Notes to Discuss -- David reigned securely when he invited Mephibosheth as an adopted son to his table, but later his own son Absalom, who also sat at his table, schemes to steal the throne from him, causing David to flee from Jerusalem. Ziba meets him bearing provisions and lies saying Mephibosheth now expects the throne to be returned to his father’s house. David believes Ziba and gives all Mephibosheth owns to Ziba (2 Sam 16:1-4). After Absalom dies, David returns to Jerusalem, and Mephibosheth comes to meet him. Read 2 Samuel 19:24-30.
4. Both Ziba, the servant, and Mephibosheth, the adopted son of David say, “I am your servant” to David.
o How does what Mephibosheth Says prove what he Thinks about David?
Living the Truth as we are sent out
5. As we apply S.T.E.A.L. to characters in Scripture, we must also apply it to our own character because we see that ourmotivations for receiving and extending kindness can be suspect. Consider: “For as he Thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he Says to you. But his heart is not with you (Proverbs 23:7).
o What is one way you portray yourself outwardly while your inner heart is another way?
o How can you imitate Mephibosheth & come to your King’s table? That’s poetic. Answer practically.
6. Read Isaiah 25:1-8. We are called Christians “little messiahs, little “sent ones.” Who is a Mephibosheth that God is calling you to call to your table? That’s poetic. But, again, answer practically.
Consider – What motivates your loyalty to this person? How can you engage him/her? What do you pray is the effect?
Homework – Read Daniel 3 for next week’s lesson.
God’s joy & strength to you,