David shows kindness to Mephibosheth 2 Samuel 4 / 2 Samuel 9
David had made a covenant with Jonathan, his friend (1 Samuel 18/20)
“Then Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, 'May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.' "So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.” (1 Samuel 20:42 NKJV)
David would see Jonathan one more time (1 Sam 23).
“And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that." (18) So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house.” (1 Samuel 23:17-18 NKJV)
Both knew that David was destined for the throne to be king over Israel.
“Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; (that they had been killed in battle) and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.” (2 Samuel 4:4 NKJV)
Mephibosheth = "exterminating the idol" "Dispeller of shame."
He was the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul.
After David has been established, King over all of Israel, The battles fought. Now the kingdom is running smoothly – David remembers his friend Jonathan: I can imagine: Oh if only my friend Jonathan were here with me know. Now David said:
"Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Samuel 9:1 NKJV)
David was not aware of any of Saul's family and, particularly, from Jonathan's family survived. Then a servant from the house of Saul was called before David:
“Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet." (2 Samuel 9:3 NKJV)
David inquired and found where Mephibosheth was living. David sent for him, and Mephibosheth was brought out to come before David.
“Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, "Mephibosheth?" And he answered, "Here is your servant!" (2 Samuel 9:6 NKJV)
David called him by name. Not clear if it was a question (Mephibosheth is that you?) or an exclamation (Mephibosheth – it's you!) But David recognized Mephibosheth – remember him as a child? Looks like his dad, Jonathan?
“So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." (8) Then he bowed himself, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?" (2 Samuel 9:7-8 NKJV)
David remembered his covenant with Jonathan and cared for Mephibosheth. David charges Ziba, the servant – take care of all that I have given to Mephibosheth.
“Then Ziba said to the king, "According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do." "As for Mephibosheth," said the king, "he shall eat at my table like one of the king's sons." (2 Samuel 9:11 NKJV)
“So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet.” (2 Samuel 9:13 NKJV)