Day 127: Kindness for the House of Saul

 Today's readings: 2 Samuel 9, 1 Chronicles 12, and Psalm 28.

I. 2 Samuel 9 recounts how, after becoming king, David asks if anyone from Saul's family is still alive so that he can show them kindness because of his covenant with Jonathan. Poor Mephibosheth, he lost his whole family and undoubtedly feared being killed by the man who replaced his grandfather as king. It's good to see that David was moved to treat the young man with kindness.

II. 1 Chronicles 12 records the warriors who joined David before and after he became king. Men from nearly every tribe of Israel came to support him, showing that God was bringing the entire nation together under David's rule.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary on this:

Jonathan's remaining son is Mephibosheth. As Saul's grandson, he would be David's enemy, but David treats him like his own son. Typically, a new king would have any descendants of the old king killed. Instead, David shows compassion and wisdom by honoring Mephibosheth... David's men are characterized by bravery, valor, and wisdom. They are dedicated and persevering in defending the king and fighting against Israel's enemies. (p. 16)

III. Psalm 28 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. The speaker asks the Lord for deliverance from the threat of death and for divine punishment to all his persecutors. The Psalmist concludes his prayer with a burst of confidence and praise. (p. 852)

That's all for today!