We Are in This Chapter Introduced to a Young Boy Named Mephiboseth Who As Described Here

2 Samuel 4 – September 28th

We are in this chapter introduced to a young boy named Mephiboseth who as described here was crippled. He was involved in an accident when he was just a little boy; actually, he was 5 years old at this point. If you wonder why the nurse would have scooped him up and ran at the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death let me tell you. It was common practice for a potential king to kill the family members of the last king, in this case Saul, so the nurse assumed she had to hide the young boy as he was in the line to possibly be king and would likely be murdered when found. As the nurse ran in her haste with him in her arms, she stumbled and fell causing the little boy to become crippled. As this chapter unfolds, detailing the death of Ish-boseth, the boy is now 12 years old. This sets the stage for what happens later in Mephiboseth’s life as he is welcomed to the king’s (David) home and table as a son of the king not his enemy.

What takes place in this chapter is the result of the death of Abner. It is obvious that he was the strength behind Ish-boseth’s kingship and with his death in the previous chapter Ish-boseth’s weakness and fear comes full circle. Two men, Rechab and Baanah, murder him in his sleep and literally take his head to king David thinking that David would be happy and grateful. Neither of those reactions were what they got. It is interesting in light of what David did to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul that these two men say in v.8, “Behold the head of Ish-boseth, the son of Saul, your enemy.” David did not consider Saul his enemy as I mentioned a few days ago. David say Saul as the appointed and anointed king of Israel by God. That truth became the source of David’s feelings toward Saul even though Saul had put him in harm’s way many times.

I want to note that David makes a proclamation in v. 9 where he says, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress.” This is a reminder from king David that although it is wonderful and so often a part of God’s plan to utilize other people in our lives, ultimately our salvation, security, and success are all wrapped up in the sovereignty of God. I for one am glad that he is in control.