Mephibosheths

Mephibosheth is a figure mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Samuel. He is known for his lineage and his eventual restoration to favor by King David. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul, David's predecessor and adversary. He was only five years old when his father and grandfather died in battle against the Philistines. The biblical account states that his nurse, in her haste to flee, dropped him, causing him to become lame in both feet. This disability would shape his life and his subsequent relationship with David.

After Saul and Jonathan's death, David became king and, remembering his covenant with Jonathan, sought to show kindness to any surviving members of Saul's household. He was informed of Mephibosheth's existence and his disabled state. David summoned Mephibosheth and, in an act of clemency and remembrance of his friendship with Jonathan, restored to him the lands that had belonged to his grandfather Saul. Furthermore, Mephibosheth was brought to live in Jerusalem and was to eat regularly at David's table, placing him in a position of honor within the royal court.

Despite this royal favor, Mephibosheth appears to have lived a relatively quiet life. He had a son named Mica, who is also mentioned in the biblical narrative. Later in David's reign, during the time of Absalom's rebellion, Mephibosheth's servant Ziba presented David with provisions, claiming Mephibosheth was disloyal and seeking the throne for himself. David, in his haste, divided Mephibosheth's land between him and Ziba. However, after David's return to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth explained his side of the story, stating that he had been unable to flee with David because of his disability and that Ziba had slandered him. David, though not fully retracting his earlier decision, showed continued favor by stating that Ziba and Mephibosheth would divide the land between them, acknowledging Mephibosheth's loyalty and his continued place at the king's table.