Showing the Kindness of God

2 Samuel 9:1-4

David is commonly referred to as the man after God’s own heart. One of the ways we learn the meaning of this is through David’s dealings with others, especially those who opposed him. During the days of King Saul, David was often under oppression and mistreated by Saul. During this difficult time, David made a commitment to King Saul’s son, Jonathan, that he would always endeavor to show kindness to Saul’s descendants (see 1 Samuel 20:14-17). In time, King Saul dies, and David assumes the role of king of Israel. Will he use his power and authority to seek revenge against the house of Saul? Or will he uphold his previous commitment with nothing to gain?

2 Samuel 9 is one of the greatest pictures of David and the application of God’s mercy. Here we get a clear glimpse into David’s heart. While far from being perfect, David was a man after God’s own heart in that he always endeavored to reflect the Lord in his life. In verses 1-4, David desires to know if anyone is left from the fallen house of Saul for the sole purpose of showing the kindness of God. The word ‘kindness’ is hesed and carries with it the idea of love, commitment, and loyalty. It is often used to refer to God’s covenantal love as well as mercy towards those who are undeserving.[1]

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” Romans 12:17 NASB95 

David soon discovers that there is one individual, Mephibosheth, who is still alive from the house of Saul. Interestingly, he is the son of Jonathan and is also crippled in both feet. Clearly, the man had nothing to offer David in return for this act of kindness. This beautifully pictures God’s hesed in being gracious to someone without expecting anything in return. It is worth noting that David did not ask whether the person deserved kindness but whether anyone was left. David is also not being sympathetic but rather seeking to reflect the loyal love of God.

“David had promised both Saul and Jonathan that he would not exterminate their descendants when he became king, and in the case of Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, David not only kept his promise but went above and beyond the call of duty.”[2]

Not only was David a man after God’s own heart, but also a man of his word who desired to reflect the Lord in his life. Far from being perfect, David provides a picture of God seeking out the undeserving and extending mercy to them. You and I have people that we encounter, or know of, that we can extend God’s mercy to. So, who can you seek to show the kindness of God to?

Out in the highways and byways of life,

Many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

Making the sorrowing glad.[3]

Lord, like David, I’m far from perfect yet you still call on your people to show your kindness to others. This kindness is a reflection of Your hesed, which is to be extended to all people, not just those I see as friends. Help me to show Your kindness to others in a world in need of it. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] See Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 100:5, and Hosea 2:19.

[2] Warren Wiersbe. The Bible Exposition Commentary, Joshua-Esther, pg. 328.

[3] Ira B. Wilson.