September 12, 2023

What can I do for others? Does your life look different? God's kindness to us displayed.

2 Samuel 8-9

Heather Timmons
Tuesday's Devo

September 12, 2023

Tuesday's Devo

September 12, 2023

Tuesday's Devo

September 12, 2023

Tuesday's Devo

September 12, 2023

Big Idea

No one is immune to sin.

Key Verse | 2 Samuel 9:7

And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always."

2 Samuel 8-9

David's Victories

1 After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

2 And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.

3 David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. 4 And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. 5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. 6 Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze.

9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, 10 Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. 11 These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, 12 from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 14 Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

David's Officials

15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. 16 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, 17 and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, 18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over 1 8:18 Compare 20:23, 1 Chronicles 18:17, Syriac, Targum, Vulgate; Hebrew lacks was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David's sons were priests.

David's Kindness to Mephibosheth

1 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 said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” 5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. 6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master's grandson. 10 And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master's grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master's grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David's 2 9:11 Septuagint; Hebrew my table, like one of the king's sons. 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants. 13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

Footnotes

[1] 8:18 Compare 20:23, 1 Chronicles 18:17, Syriac, Targum, Vulgate; Hebrew lacks was over
[2] 9:11 Septuagint; Hebrew my

S2:177 2 Samuel 8-9

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | 2 Samuel 8-9

In 2 Samuel 8, King David experiences victory after victory, accumulating immense wealth, power, land, and accolades. He attributes his victory to the Lord, consecrating the spoils of war to God. We read that "David administered justice and equity to all his people." (2 Samuel 8:15) King David is a humble, godly ruler.

In this hour of profound success, David reflects on God's covenant goodness that led him here. And he remembers an oath he made to a friend who sacrificed for him.

Enter Mephibosheth: crippled grandson of a former king, final vestige of a failed regime. Fearful, broken, alienated in every way, Mephibosheth was an outcast in hiding. Until David seeks him out and, defying all expectations, demonstrates the kindness of God!

Approaching the palace, Mephibosheth fears for his life. Instead, he hears the words, "Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness" (2 Samuel 9:7).

My friend, I pray that as you journey from Genesis to Jesus, this message reverberates to you on every page. For these are also God's words to us.

We are the helpless, the condemned ones, whom Christ sought out (2 Samuel 9:5) and called by name (2 Samuel 9:6). To us, He shows the kindness of God, for our Father's sake (2 Samuel 9:3). He restores the lost inheritance (2 Samuel 9:7) and welcomes us to commune at His table forever (2 Samuel 9:11).

Plucking Mephibosheth out of exile, the king declares him to be as a son, a recipient of grace, an honored citizen and welcomed at the king's table. Exactly as Christ has done for those who believe in Him (1 Peter 2:9-10). 

David astonishes everyone and seats the grandson of his "rival" at his royal table. How miraculous it is that Christ invites us not only to sit and dine with Him but to partake of His very self (John 6:51) and to dwell with Him forever!

One grand eternal day, all Christ's children will be gathered to feast together. Who knows—perhaps one of us will be seated alongside Mephibosheth, friend of a king, child of God.

This month's memory verse

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

– Matthew 5:16

Discussion Questions

1. Can you relate to Mephibosheth? We are each invited to dine at the King's table, but some of us still dwell in exile as though defined by the past, held captive by wounds, living alienated and helpless. If you are struggling, join us at re:generation on Monday nights to learn how you, too, can receive restoration and kindness from the King. There is a place for all of us at the King's table—lame feet and all! 

2. Did you notice that Mephibosheth permanently moved to Jerusalem? To eat at the King's table is not a one-time invitation. It is for always—all the meals. (No hangry blood-sugar crashes, please!) Do you dine with the King daily? Three times a day? What is one habit you can implement this week to help you feast in His presence all day long?

3. In response to God's extravagant love toward him, David demonstrates an unconditional, liberal, generous kindness to someone who was regarded as having no rightful claim on him. Has the Lord set someone in your life for you to minister to today? If there is someone in your life who can be hard to love, commit to regularly asking the Lord to help you meet that person with the Lord's indelible, all-consuming kindness.
 

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Sisson

Re: 2Sam 8:7 2Sam 8:7 (NASB) David took the >>>shields of gold<<< which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. See 1Ch 18:7; 2Kgs 11:10
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Good morning Heather! Absolutely LOVE this from your devo - “Plucking Mephibosheth out of exile, the king declares him to be as a son, a recipient of grace, an honored citizen and welcomed at the king's table. Exactly as Christ has done for those who believe in Him (2 Peter 2:4-5, 9).” Great info from GQs - https://www.gotquestions.org/Mephibosheth.html Q1 - For me, Mephibosheth represents my own helplessness, my broken and sinful nature, my need for mercy and grace, my complete reliance on others, in some ways the faultlessness of my condition as a result of prior events - but still the call to take my condition and step into the redemption God offers me. Unconditionally and with zero merit of any kind. God calls me to have this heart of helplessness and surrender regardless of what the world tells me about my own abilities and accomplishments. Apart from Christ, I am nothing and can do nothing; (John 15:5). Jim Q2. One habit- My best spiritual practice is gratitude prayers. Sometimes written. Most often spoken spontaneously- for every imaginable blessing; all the material ones but even small ones like a door held open, a favor done, a kindness expressed, a car wreck avoided, a magnificent sunrise or sunset, rain, a lost object found, reconnection with a friend, a misperception corrected, a relationship renewed, a small task completed, a walk with Amy, the unconditional love of a dog, the happy squealing of playing children, the safe travel of a friend or family member, a healthy birth, a physical healing. Many, many, more.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

What’s the best way to approach military strategy? Prayer? Detailed strategy and tactics? Did Sun Tzu and Carl Von Clausewitz pray before battle? They are two of of the greatest military figures ever. As far as I can tell neither prayed or surrendered. Further, there are lots and lots of examples of military leaders who had spectacular success and tragic failure. Are either of these examples or warnings? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Tzu?wprov=sfti1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_von_Clausewitz?wprov=sfti1 Does this mean that we should or should not not pray about entering war or about the means and methods when actually initiating combat? So who is the better example of a military leader? For me, David is the better example. Hands down. He is a great example of a leader in his training, equipping, and the attitude towards his sovereign and his soldiers. Psalm 60 seems to refer tho these battles in chapter 8. I note verses 11-12 (ESV) 11 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! 12 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. Clearly David ‘gets it’. Further, he understands the truth of Proverbs 21:31. And in extension, John 15:5. Among the most powerful passages in the Bible are the ones that convey what happened when I make decisions on my own versus when I study God’s word, consult with others, pray, reflect, meditate, journal etc. There is NO COMPARISON. Among the many great teachings for me is the truth is that I don’t control outcomes. I only cokntrol my own choices and behaviors. I call it inputs over outputs. To the degree I am fully surrendered to the leading of the Spirit my choices will result in God hosting outcomes. Not to say I’ll like the outcomes. I may not. Which leads me to a surprising conclusion- The best military strategy is surrender. Just ask David.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Some great notes on David’s military victories- “The chief city of the Philistines (v. 1) was Gath (cf. 1 Chron. 18:1). The writer described David's military campaigns from west (v. 1), to east (v. 2), to north (vv. 3-11), to south (vv. 13-14), suggesting victory in every direction: total success thanks to Yahweh (vv. 6, 14).” "Though brief in detail, 2 Samuel 8 is of great historic value for it records Israel's emergence at the beginning of the tenth century B.C. as the leading nation in the Fertile Crescent."[213] "The Philistines considered themselves the legitimate heirs of the Egyptian rule in Palestine and their defeat by David implied the passage of the Egyptian province of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites." "Recapitulating David's military victories during his years as king over Israel and Judah in Jerusalem, vv. 1-14 parallel the account of the defeat of the Philistines (5:17-25) in the overall structure of the narrative of David's powerful reign (5:17—8:18; ...). The summary may not be intended as all-inclusive, since other wars and skirmishes are mentioned later in the book (cf. ch. 10; 21:15-22; 23:8-23). The section leaves no doubt about the fact that David's armies were invincible and that no nation, however numerous or powerful its fighting men, could hope to withstand the Israelite hosts." “The real reason for David's success emerges clearly, however: "The LORD helped David wherever he went" (vv. 6, 14). Why? There are two reasons: -First, God had chosen David to be Israel's king and to use David to accomplish His purposes for Israel. -Second, David cooperated with God by submitting to Him as His servant and carrying out His will.” “Verses 15-18 constitute a summary of David's administration and conclude this section of Samuel (5:17—8:18) that records the major important features of David's reign (cf. 20:23-26; 1 Sam. 14:47-52). God established his empire firmly. He had relocated his capital, subdued his enemy neighbors, brought the ark into Jerusalem, and received the Davidic Covenant. The writer probably listed David's military victories last in chapter 8 because the formal record of a king's accomplishments normally ended this way in the official records of ancient Near Eastern monarchs.” My notes - We have seen passage after passage detailing the stark contrasts between David and Saul. For me, the difference in “heart” results in the difference in “inputs” which leads to a much greater difference in “outputs”. On the attitude of our hearts - “God's blessing came on Israel when the people had a proper attitude toward Him, which their proper attitude toward the ark symbolized (6:12-19). Preceding this attitude a series of conflicts resulted in David's forces gaining strength and Saul's forces losing strength. God reduced Saul's line to one crippled boy (4:4), and He condemned Saul's daughter Michal to remain childless (6:20-27). Later, He cut off the rest of Saul's line (21:1-14).” “On the other hand, God promised David descendants who would endure and reign forever (ch. 7). In the fullness of time the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, issued from him (cf. Gal. 4:4).”
SB

Sue Bohlin

SUPER devo, Heather! Thanks especially for the pro tip. Mephibosheth's story is my favorite story of grace in the entire Old Testament. The Lord was so gracious to allow me to teach this chapter to Women's Bible Study at Watermark Plano a few years ago when I was unable to walk at all because of horrific arthritis pain in both hips. That effectively made me crippled in both feet, just like Mephibosheth. It provided a helpful perspective to me. Just as I was completely dependent on my scooter for getting around, I realized that when David summoned his dear friend's son, there was no way for Meffie to approach the king on his own two feet. He had to be carried into the throne room--whether by cart or by a couple of big strong men we don't know, we just know he had to be carried. He had been crippled by a fall as a child, and that became his identity. Ziba didn't even call him by name to King David; he was "one of Jonathan's sons, the crippled one." Oh boy, can I relate. David delighted to pour out hesed, that amazing, hard-to-grasp gift of overwhelming, undeserved loyal love,, on his friend's son. Just as God the Father delights to pour out HIS hesed on us, crippled by a Fall, unable to stand before Him on our own, needing to be carried. And He invites us to His table daily. Just mind blowing.
GJ

Greg Jones

Hey Heather, great deeper dive this morning. Ditto concerning being on this journey together. “King David is a humble, godly ruler.” I absolutely agree that these passages are meant to lead to that conclusion. But I also think the whole of the Old Testament is written in such a way as to question what we’re thinking. For example David is the grandson of the Moabite grandmother Ruth. We all know the story of Ruth. In the Hebrew Bible her story follows the Proverbs 31 woman. David is king of Israel despite Deuteronomy 23:3. So how it goes for captured Moabites makes me scratch my head. And this where we can look at scripture side by side And David became famous after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites[g] in the Valley of Salt. He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. 2 Samuel 8:13-14 Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. 1 Chronicles 18:12-13 David might not have been quite as great as the legend. Chronicles leaves out all the bad stuff that David does but then it gives us some different details. David really looks better in Chronicles than he does in Samuel and Kings. But then Chronicles gives us a different detail like this and then when the reader starts to add back in the known bad missing details it makes this reader think “hey maybe David wasn’t quite as humble and great as he was built up to be”. I don’t know that differences in Chronicles and Samuel Kings are Sunday School lessons I wouldn’t want to teach 2nd and 3rd graders but there comes a point where I feel a need to engage the questions they raise.
GJ

Greg Jones

As a life application I came across this yesterday https://religionnews.com/2023/09/08/former-afa-vice-president-sues-christian-right-group-for-alleged-sexual-harassment/ This is the statement that was given to the reporting agency by the organization “The claims made against our organization by a disgruntled former employee are unfounded gross mischaracterizations of the facts.“ That could be true, but to take just a claim, or just a denial, at face value will not lead to what really went on. Perceptions either about an individual or an organization, or maybe both, will change depending on how this story develops. That’s scary for people close to the individuals and the organization but a proper investigation will only strengthen the righteous. I read the whole of the OT accounts as having that attitude about itself.
MS

Michael Scaman

Major victory for David, defeat of Gath. From WIki The Pulpit Commentary argues that "Metheg-ammah" means "the bridle of the mother city". We learn from the parallel place (1 Chronicles 18:1) that the city of Gath is meant by this phrase. Gath was at this time the metropolis of Philistia, and had reduced the other four chief towns to a state of vassalage. Major show of love for Jonathon shown through love for his lame son Mephibosheth . Mephiosheth was in Lo Debar which literally means 'no where' The Beatles sang of 'He's a real no where man' and Mephibashesh felt even worse tan that, like a dead dog. His name is positive and the same people having different names in Chronicles, looks like Baal was replaced in Sammuel. Jonathon's grandson Mephibasheth - meaning from the mouth of shame", or maybe exterminator of shame; i.e., of idols. in Chronicals MariBaal, he that resists Baal ) and another son of Saul had that name as well. Isbosheth is man of shame and his other name was Eshbaal man of baal in Chronicals EshBaal man of Baal?? ) see The Names Mephibosheth and Ishbosheth Reconsidered Michael Avioz Bar-Ilan University) And somewhere there is a son of Mephiasheth, a prophet named Micah Mica, a son of Mephibosheth and the son of Jonathan, Saul's son (2 Samuel 9.12), is also called Micah in 1 Chronicles 8.34. So somehow, Mephibesheth went from a really bad place to have a child who was a prophet.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Yes, it is always best to initiate conversations with kindness and positive ideas. 2. No, I did not notice Mephibosheth’s move to Jerusalem. Beginning and ending a meal with prayer helps me dine frequently with the King. Prayer as needed throughout the day helps me feast in His presence all day long. 3. I have potential customers to work with today. It helps me increase sales if I show them God’s love and God’s values as I present them information. Prayer: God, let me represent you and your ways in everything I do today. Let me encourage and help others in positive ways. Amen.
VB

Victoria Becker

Thank you for this beautifully written devo, Heather! I was really encouraged by the connection you made between David & God and Mephibosheth & us. What a sweet reminder that while we had nothing to offer, God chose us and invited us to dine with him. This devo made me extra thankful for a God who doesn’t just choose to dwell with the most qualified, wealthy, or strong people. God invites EVERYONE to his table, including me and you! “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:5-6.