The Gilead town of Lo-debar was a place no one really wanted to be. Lo-debar means no pasture, no word or no communication. It symbolizes desolation and lack of hope. It doesn’t seem like you’d be there if you had other options.
Mephibosheth was in Lo-debar. He was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of Saul. His family had lost the throne and was now in exile. He was crippled by a fall as they fled when he was just five years old. And now, unable to care for himself, he resides in obscurity, all but forgotten at the house of Makir.
But David remembered his covenant with his friend Jonathan. That he would show kindness to Jonathan’s family. [1]
The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” 2 Samuel 9:3-4
David sought out Mephibosheth in order to fulfill his covenant with Jonathan. This was a one-sided action, grace on David’s part. Mephibosheth didn’t earn or deserve this grace on his own. But David found him and brought him into the palace to show God’s kindness. Mephibosheth went from Lo-debar to the table of the king. He was seen, restored and cared for by the king.
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” 2 Samuel 9:8
Mephibosheth means dispeller of shame. And that is the work God did through him. It must have seemed an inappropriate name all those years he lived in Lo-debar. I’m sure he marveled at God’s fulfillment in the end as his shame was removed and he was brought to a place of belonging.
There is a beautiful picture in the life of Mephibosheth. God seeks us out to show us grace and to fulfill His covenant of lovingkindness. He brings us from a place of desolation right to a permanent place at His table feast. As He cares for and protects us, we are seen and restored. And we did nothing to earn this new position. We were merely found and plucked out of our desolate place. Bless God for His great grace and mercy upon me, whom He has redeemed to join Him at His table forever.
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