OT Characters: Mephibosheth

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/ot-character-podcast-60-mephibosheth/">website</a>.</p><p>Introduction</p><ul><li>Our O.T. character today is a minor character. And yet doesn't mean he isn't important.</li><li>The relationship between David and Jonathan (Saul's son, next in line for the throne) was intimate.</li><li>Jonathan's son becomes disabled -- but this is not what matters most. Rather, what we are about to study is an excellent illustration of <i>grace.</i></li><li><strong>2 Sam 4:4</strong> —<i> Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.</i><ul><li>Distressing news led to his nurse dropping him. (Reminds us of death of Eli on hearing another battle report.)</li><li>Escaping potential assassins, nurse runs</li><li>Source of medical condition = human error.<ul><li>Born blind v. blinded in acid attack</li><li>Born with heart problem (Kurka) v. asbestos / careless company</li></ul></li><li>Quite possibly that in time he couldn’t even remember ever being able to walk without assistance or crutches.</li></ul></li><li>Image of grace, not just for medical situations<ul><li>Mental health issues</li><li>Trauma (e.g. PTSD or abuse)</li><li>Sin cripples us</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>9:1</strong> <i>And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” 2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” 3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba