Mephibosheth
MEPHIBOSHETH
A son of Jonathan, also called Merib-baal, 1Ch 8:34 . See ESHBAAL. Mephibosbeth was very young when his father was killed in the battle of Gilboa, 2Sa 4:4, and his nurse was in such consternation at the news, that she let the child fall; and from this accident he was lame all his life. When David found himself in peaceable possession of the kingdom, he sought for all that remained of the house of Saul, that he might show them kindness, in consideration of the friendship between him and Jonathan. He gave Mephibosheth the estate of his grandfather Saul. Of a part of this, however, he was afterwards deprived by the treachery of his steward Zeba, and the hasty injustice, as it appears, of David towards and unfortunate but noble and loyal prince, 2Sa 9:1-13 16:1-4 19:24-30. David subsequently took care to exempt him from the number of the descendants of Saul given up to the vengeance of the Gibeonites, 2Sa 21:1-14, though another Mephibosheth, a son of Saul was slain, 2Sa 21:8 .
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Mephibosheth
(Heb. Mephioo’sheth, [twice’ defectively’ , 2Sa 19:24; 2Sa 21:8], exterminator of the shame, i.e. idols or Baal, see Simonis Lex. V. T. p. 160; Ewald, Isr. Gesch. 2:383; Sept. v. . , Vulg. Miphiboseth, Josephus ), the name of two of king- Saul’s descendants. Bosheth appears to have been a favorite appellation in Saul’s family, for it forms a part of the names of no fewer than three members of it Ish-bosheth and the two Mephibosheths. But in the genealogies preserved in 1 Chronicles these names are given in the different forms of Esh-baal and Merib-baal. The variation is identical with that of Jerub-baal and Jerubbesheth, and is in accordance with passages in Jeremiah (Jer 11:13) and Hosea (Hos 9:10), where Baal and Bosheth appear to be convertible or, at least, related terms, the latter being used as a contemptuous or derisive synonyme of the former. One inference from this would be that the persons in question were originally named Baal; that this appears in the two fragments of the family records preserved in Chronicles; but that in Samuel the hateful heathen name has been uniformly erased, and the nickname of Bosheth substituted for it. It is some support to this to find that Saul had an ancestor named Baal, who appears in the lists of Chronicles only (1Ch 8:30; 1Ch 9:36). But such a change in the record supposes an amount of editing and interpolation which would hardly have been accomplished without leaving more obvious traces, in reasons given for the change, etc. How different it is, for example, from the case of Jerub-besheth, where the alteration is mentioned and commented on. Still the facts are as above stated, whatever explanation may be given of them. SEE ISHBOSHETH.
W. Saul’s son by his concubine Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah (2Sa 21:8). He and his brother Armoni were among the seven victims who were surrendered by David to the Gibeonites, and by them crucified in sacrifice- to Jehovah, to avert a famine from which the country was suffering. There is no doubt about this being the real meaning of the word , translated here and in Num 25:4 hanged up (see Michaelis’s Supplement, No. 1046; also Gesenius, Thesaur. p. 620; and Furst, Handwb. p. 539 b). Aquila has , understanding them to have been not crucified but impaled. The Vulgate reads crucifixerunt (Num 25:9), and qui afixifuerant (Num 25:13). The Hebrew term is entirely distinct from , also rendered to hang in the AV., which is its real signification. It is this latter word which is employed in the story of the five kings of Makkedah; in the account of the indignities practiced on Saul’s body, 2Sa 21:12; on Baanah and Rechab by David, 2Sa 4:12; and elsewhere.
The seven corpses, protected by the tender care of the mother of Mephibosheth from the attacks of bird and beast, were exposed on their crosses to the fierce sun of at least five of the midsummer months, on the sacred eminence of Gibeah. This period results from the statement that they hung from barley harvest (April) till the commencement of the rains (October); but it is also worthy of notice that the Sept. has employed the word , to expose to the sun. It is also remarkable that on the only other occasion on which this Hebrew term is used-Num 25:4 – an express command was given that the victims should be crucified in front of the sun. At the end of that time the attention of David was called to the circumstance, and also possibly to the fact that the sacrifice had failed in its purpose. A different method was tried: the bones of Saul and Jonathan were disinterred from their resting-place at the foot of the great tree at Jabesh-Gilead, the blanched and withered remains of Mephibosheth, his brother, and his five relatives, were taken down from the crosses, and father, son, and grandsons found at last a restingplace together in the ancestral cave of Kish at Zelah. When this had been done, God was entreated for the land, and the famine ceased. BC. 1053 -1019. SEE RIZPAH.
2. The son of Jonathan and grandson of king Saul (2Sa 4:4; in which sense the son of Saul is to be taken in 2Sa 19:24; sec Gesenius, Thesaur. p. 216); called also by the equivalent name of MERIBBAAL (1Ch 9:40). The following account of his history and character is sufficiently detailed to set forth the important relations which he held to the adventures and reign of his father’s successor.
1. His life seems to have been, from beginning to end, one of trial and discomfort. The name of his mother is unknown. There is reason to think that she died shortly after his birth, and that he was an only child. At any rate, we know for certain that when his father and grandfather were slain on Gilboa he was an infant of but five years old. BC. 1053. He was then living under the charge of his nurse, probably at Gibeah, the regular residence of Saul. The tidings that the army was destroyed, the king and his sons slain, and that the Philistines, spreading from hill to hill of the country, were sweeping all before them, reached the royal household. The nurse, perhaps apprehending that the enemy were seeking to exterminate the whole royal family, fled, carrying the child on her shoulder. This is the statement of Josephus ( , Ant. 7:5, 5); but it is hardly necessary, for in the East children are always carried on the shoulder (see Lane’s Mod. Egyptians, ch. i, p. 52, and the art. CHILD). But in her panic and hurry she stumbled, and Mephibosheth was precipitated to the ground with such force as to deprive him for life of the use of both feet .(2Sa 4:4). These early misfortunes threw a shade over his whole life, and his personal deformity-as is often the case where it has been the result of accident-seems to have exercised a depressing and depreciatory influence on his character. He can never forget that he. is a poor lame slave (2Sa 19:26), and unable to walk; a dead dog (ix. 8); that all the house of his father were dead (19:28); that the king is an angel of God (ib. 27), and he his abject dependent (9:6, 8). He receives the slanders of Ziba and the harshness of David alike with a submissive equanimity which is quite touching, and which effectually wins our sympathy.
2. After the accident which thus embittered his whole existence, Mephibosheth was carried with the rest of his family beyond the Jordan to the mountains of Gilead, where he found a refuge in the house of Machir ben-Ammiel, a powerful Gadite or Manassite sheik at Lo-debar, not far from Mahanaim, which during the reign of his uncle Ishbosheth was the head-quarters of his family. By Machir he was brought up (Josephus, Ant. 7:5, 5); there he married, and there he was living at a later period, when David, having completed the subjugation of the adversaries of Israel on every side, had leisure to turn his attention to claims of other and less pressing descriptions. The solemn oath which he had sworn to the father of Mephibosheth at their critical interview by the stone Ezel, that he would not cut off his kindness from the house of Jonathan forever: no, not when Jehovah had cut off the enemies of David each one from the face of the earth (1Sa 20:15); and again, that Jehovah should be between Jonathan’s seed and his seed forever (1Sa 20:42), was naturally the first thing that occurred to him, and he eagerly inquired who was left of the house of Saul, that he might show kindness to him for Jonathan’s sake (2Sa 9:1). So completely had the family of the late king vanished from the western side of Jordan that the only person to be met with in any way related to them was one Ziba, formerly a slave of the royal house, but now a freed man, with a family of fifteen sons, who, by arts which, from the glimpse we subsequently have of his character, are not difficult to understand, must have acquired considerable substance, since he was possessed of an establishment of twenty slaves of his own. From this man David learned of the existence of Mephibosheth. Royal messengers were sent to the house of Machir at Lo-debar, in the mountains of Gilead, and by them the prince and his infant son Michah (comp. 1Ch 9:40) were brought to Jerusalem. The interview with David was marked by extreme kindness on the part of the king, and on that of Mephibosheth by the fear and humility which have been pointed out as characteristic of him. He leaves the royal presence with all the property of his grandfather restored to him, and with the whole family and establishment of Ziba as his slaves, to cultivate the land and harvest the produce. He himself is to be a daily guest at David’s table. From this time forward he resided at Jerusalem (2 Samuel ix). BC. cir. 1037. See Kitto’s Daily Bible Illust. ad loc.
3. An interval of about fourteen years now passes, and the crisis of David’s life arrives. SEE DAVID. Of Mephibosheth’s behavior on this occasion we possess two accounts-his own (2Sa 19:24-30), and that of Ziba (16:1-4). They are naturally at variance with each other.
(1.) Ziba meets the king on his flight at the most opportune moment, just as David has undergone the most trying part of that trying day’s journey, has taken the last look at the city so peculiarly his own, and completed the hot and toilsome ascent of the Mount of Olives. He is on foot, and is in want of relief and refreshment. The relief and refreshment are there. There stand a couple of strong he-asses ready saddled for the king or his household to make the descent upon; and there are bread, grapes, melons, and a skin of wine; and there-the donor of these welcome gifts-is Ziba, with respect in his look and sympathy on his tongue. Of course the whole,. though offered as Ziba’s, is the property of Mephibosheth: the asses are his, one of them his own riding animal (, both in 17:2, and 19:26); the fruits are from his gardens and orchards. But why is not their owner here in person ? Where is the son of Saul? He, says Ziba, is in Jerusalem, waiting to receive from the nation the throne of his grandfather, that throne from which he has so long been unjustly excluded. Such an aspiration would be very natural, but it must have been speedily dissipated by the thought that he at least would be likely to gain little by Absalom’s rebellion. Still it must be confessed that Ziba’s tale at first sight is a most plausible one, and that the answer of David is no more than was to be expected. So the presumed ingratitude of Mephibosheth is requited with the ruin he deserves, while the loyalty and thoughtful courtesy of Ziba are rewarded by the possessions of his master, thus reinstating him in the position which he seems to have occupied on Mephibosheth’s arrival in Judah.
(2.) Mephibosheth’s story which, however, he had not the opportunity of telling until several days later, when he met David returning to his kingdom at the western bank of the Jordan was very different from Ziba’s. He had been desirous to fly with his patron and benefactor, and had ordered Ziba to make ready his ass that he might join the cortege. But Ziba had deceived him, had left him, and not returned with the asses. In his helpless condition he had no alternative, when once the opportunity of accompanying David was lost, but to remain where he. was. The swift pursuit which had been made after Ahimaaz and Jonathan (2 Samuel 17) had shown what risks even a strong and able man must run who would try to follow the king. But all that he could do under the circumstances he had done. He had gone into the deepest mourning possible (the same as in 12:20) for his lost friend. From the very day that David left he had allowed his beard to grow ragged, his crippled feet were unwashed (Jerome, however, pedibus infectis-alluding to false wooden feet which he was accustomed to wear, Quaest. Hebrews ad loc.) and untended, his linen remained unchanged. That David did not disbelieve this story is shown by his revoking the judgment he had previously given. That he did not entirely reverse his decision, but allowed Ziba to retain possession of half the lands of Mephibosheth, is probably due partly to weariness at the whole transaction. but mainly to the conciliatory frame of mind in which he was at that moment. Shall, then, any mall be put to death this day ? is the key note of the whole proceeding. David could not but have been sensible that he had acted hastily, and was doubtless touched by the devotedness of his friend’s son, as well as angry at the imposition of Ziba; but, as he was not wholly convinced of Mephibosheth’s innocence, and as there was at the time no opportunity to examine fully into the matter, perhaps also actuated by the pride of an already expressed judgment or by reluctance to offend Ziba, who had adhered to him when so many old friends forsook him, he answered abruptly, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said Thou and Ziba divide the land. The answer of Mephibosheth was worthy of the son of the generous Jonathan, and, couched as it is in Oriental phrase, shows that he had met a better reception than he had expected: Yea, let him take all; forasmuch as my lord the king. is come again in peace unto his own house (2Sa 19:24-30). BC. cir. 1023.
4. We hear no more of Mephibosheth, except that David was careful that he should not be included in the savage vengeance which the Gibeonites were suffered to execute upon the house of Saul for the great wrong they had sustained during his reign (2Sa 21:7). BC. cir. 1019. Through his son Micah the family of Saul was continued to a late generation (1Ch 9:40 sq.).
On the transaction between David and Mephibosheth, see J. G. Elsner, Ueb. die gerechte Unschuld u. Redlichkeit Mephiboseths (Frankf. u. Leipz. 1760); Niemever, Charakt. 4:434 sq.; Kitto’s Daily Bible Illust. ad loc.; Blunt, Undesigned Coincidences, ad loc.; Hall, Contemplations, ad loc.; H. Lindsay, Lectures, 2:102; Doddridge, Sermons, 1:177; Ewald, Hist. of Israel (Engl. transl. 3:191). SEE ZIBA.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Mephibosheth
exterminator of shame; i.e., of idols. (1.) The name of Saul’s son by the concubine Rizpah (q.v.), the daughter of Aiah. He and his brother Armoni were with five others “hanged on a hill before the Lord” by the Gibeonites, and their bodies exposed in the sun for five months (2 Sam. 21:8-10). (2.) The son of Jonathan, and grandson of Saul (2 Sam. 4:4). He was but five years old when his father and grandfather fell on Mount Gilboa. The child’s nurse hearing of this calamity, fled with him from Gibeah, the royal residence, and stumbling in her haste, the child was thrown to the ground and maimed in both his feet, and ever after was unable to walk (19:26). He was carried to the land of Gilead, where he found a refuge in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar, by whom he was brought up.
Some years after this, when David had subdued all the adversaries of Israel, he began to think of the family of Jonathan, and discovered that Mephibosheth was residing in the house of Machir. Thither he sent royal messengers, and brought him and his infant son to Jerusalem, where he ever afterwards resided (2 Sam. 9).
When David was a fugitive, according to the story of Ziba (2 Sam. 16:1-4) Mephibosheth proved unfaithful to him, and was consequently deprived of half of his estates; but according to his own story, however (19:24-30), he had remained loyal to his friend. After this incident he is only mentioned as having been protected by David against the vengeance the Gibeonites were permitted to execute on the house of Saul (21:7). He is also called Merib-baal (1 Chr. 8:34; 9:40). (See ZIBA)
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Mephibosheth
1. Saul’s son by Rizpah (2Sa 21:8); “crucified” (yaqah; not talah, which would mean “hanged up”) with six others before Jehovah by the Gibeonites to avert the famine; from barley harvest until the rains of October the bodies remained exposed to the sun (compare Num 25:4), but watched by Rizpah’s pious care, and finally were committed to Kish’s sepulchre.
2. Saul’s grandson, son of Jonathan. Originally Merib-baal, an ancestor being named Baal (1Ch 8:30; 1Ch 8:33; 1Ch 8:24; 1Ch 9:36). (See ISHBOSHETH; JERUBBAAL.) When Saul and Jonathan fell at Gilboa Mephibosheth was but five years old. His nurse at the sad tidings took him up and fled; in her haste she let him fall from her shoulders (Josephus Ant., vii. 5, section 5), whereon children in the East are carried, and he became lame of both feet (2Sa 4:4; 2Sa 9:13). He had been for a considerable time living in obscurity with Machir in Lodebar beyond Jordan, near Mahanaim, his uncle Ishbosheth’s seat of government, when David through Ziba heard of him, and for the sake of Jonathan, and his promise respecting Jonathan’s seed (1Sa 20:15; 1Sa 20:42), restored to him all the land of Saul and admitted him to eat bread at his table at Jerusalem continually. (See MACHIR.)
Ziba, from being a menial of Saul’s house, had managed to become master himself of 20 servants; with these and his 15 sons he, by David’s command, tilled the land for Mephibosheth, for though Mephibosheth was henceforth David’s guest, and needed no provision, he had a son Micha (1 Samuel 9; 1Ch 8:34-35) and a retinue to maintain as a prince. His deformity, added to the depression of Saul’s family, produced in him an abject fear and characteristic humility which are expressed in a manner sad to read of when one remembers the bygone greatness of Saul’s house. It is a retribution in kind that the representative of Saul’s family now calls himself before David by the contemptuous title which once David in self abasement used before Saul, “dead dog” (2Sa 9:8; 1Sa 24:14).
The same depressed spirit appears in 2Sa 19:26-28. Seventeen years subsequently, in Absalom’s rebellion, Ziba rendered important service to David by meeting him as he crossed Olivet, with two strong “he donkeys” (chamor) ready saddled for the king’s use, bread, raisins, fruits, and wine. With shrewd political forecast, guessing the failure of the rebellion, Ziba gained David’s favor at the cost of Mephibosheth, whom he misrepresented as staying at Jerusalem in expectation of regaining the kingdom (2Sa 16:1-4). David in hasty credulity (Pro 18:13; Joh 7:51 on the spot assigned all Mephibosheth’s property to Ziba. On David’s return to Jerusalem Mephibosheth made known the true state of the case, that Ziba had deceived him when he desired to saddle the donkey and go to the king, and had slandered him (2Sa 19:24-30). His squalid appearance, with unwashed feet, unattended beard, and soiled clothes, indicating the deepest mourning ever since the king departed, attested his truthfulness.
David saw his error, but had not the courage to rectify it altogether. Ziba’s service to him in his extremity outweighed his perfidy to Mephibosheth. Impatiently (for conscience told him he had been unjust to Mephibosheth and still was only half just) David replied, “why speakest thou any more of thy matters? Thou and Ziba divide the land.” Mephibosheth had everything to lose and nothing to gain from Absalom’s success. A cripple and a Benjamite could never dream of being preferred by Judah to the handsome Absalom; interest and gratitude bound him to David. Ziba had it completely in his power to leave him unable to stir from Jerusalem during the rebellion, by taking away the asses; the king and his friends were gone. So not merely servility, but sincere satisfaction at David’s return, prompted his reply: “let Ziba take all, forasmuch as my lord is come again in peace.” David’s non-mention of Mephibosheth on his death bed is doubtless because Mephibosheth had died in the eight years that intervened between David’s return and his death.
Mephibosheth typifies man once son of the King; then having lost his right by the fall, as Mephibosheth did by Saul’s and Jonathan’s death at Gilboa. Bearing a name of reproach like Mephibosheth, instead of his name of innocence; banished to the outskirts of the moral wilderness, like Mephibosheth in Lodebar; liable to perish by the sword of justice, as Saul’s other sons (2 Samuel 21); paralyzed by original sin, as Mephibosheth lamed from infancy in both feet; invited by the Lord and Savior, after having spoiled principalities, to sit down at the royal table (Mat 8:11; Rev 19:7; Rev 19:9), as Mephibosheth was by David after conquering all his foes, on the ground of the everlasting covenant (Jer 31:3); as David regarded Mephibosheth because of his covenant with Jonathan (1Sa 20:15; 1Sa 20:42). Fear is man’s first feeling in the Lord’s presence (Luk 5:8); but He reassures the trembling sinner (Isa 43:1; Rev 2:7), as David did Mephibosheth, restoring him to a princely estate.
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Mephibosheth
MEPHIBOSHETH.1. A son of Jonathan (2Sa 4:4), called also in 1Ch 8:34; 1Ch 9:40 Merib (b)aal, really the original form of the name Baal contends or Baals warrior.
David, on succeeding to the throne, instead of destroying all the family of Saul, as was usual on such occasions, spared Mephibosheth out of regard for his father Jonathan (2Sa 9:1). Mephibosheth was five years old when Saul fell on Mt. Gilboa, and in the flight of the royal household after the battle he was so seriously injured by a fall as to become lame in both his feet (2Sa 4:4). In that warlike age such a bodily weakness prevented him from becoming a rival of David, and no doubt inclined the latter to mercy. David was informed of his place of concealment in Lo-debar, on the east of the Jordan, by Ziba, who had been steward of Saul (2Sa 9:1 ff.). The king restored to Mephibosheth all the estates of Saul, Ziba became his steward, and Mephibosheth himself was maintained as a permanent guest at Davids table (2Sa 9:13).
At the flight of David from Jerusalem after Absaloms rebellion, Ziba met him on the Mount of Olives with provisions. He also stated that his master had remained in Jerusalem, in hope of obtaining the kingdom of Saul. Notwithstanding the doubtful nature of the story, David said, Behold, thine is all that pertaineth to Mephibosheth (2Sa 16:4). On Davids return, Mephibosheth came out to meet him, and declared that Ziba had accused him falsely, taking advantage of his lameness. David seems to have doubted the truthfulness of Mephibosheth or did not wish to alienate Ziba, who had also been faithful, and divided the land of Saul between the two. Mephibosheth expressed his willingness that Ziba should have all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come in peace unto his own house.
From 2Sa 9:12 we learn that Mephibosheth had a son Mica, who was regarded as the founder of a well-known family of warriors (1Ch 8:35; 1Ch 9:41).
2. One of the sons of Sauls concubine Rizpah, slain by the Gibeonites (2Sa 21:8).
W. F. Boyd.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Mephibosheth
Saul had a son of this name, and so had Jonathan his son, (2Sa 4:4 and 2Sa 21:8-9) His name signifies reproach from the mouth, from Pe, a mouth-and Bosh, shame. It is thought by some, that the proper name of Jonathan’s son was Merib-baal, (see 1Ch 8:34) and that his name was changed to Mephibosheth, because the Israelites were cautious of using the name of Baal. Idolatry was not then so much in fashion, as in the after days of the kings of Israel. But this point cannot be ascertained.
Fuente: The Poor Mans Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures
Mephibosheth
me-fibo-sheth (, mephbhosheth, idol-breaker, also MERIB-BAAL (which see); , Memphibosthe):
(1) Son of Saul by his concubine RIZPAH (which see), daughter of Aiah (2Sa 21:8). See also ARMONI.
(2) Grandson of Saul, son of Jonathan, and nephew of Mephibosheth (1) (2Sa 4:4). He was 5 years old when his father and grandfather were slain. He was living in charge of a nurse, possibly because his mother was dead. Tidings of the disaster at Jezreel and the onsweep of the Philistines terrified the nurse. She fled with her charge in such haste that a fall lamed the little prince in both feet for life. His life is a series of disasters, disappointments, and anxieties. It is a weary, broken, dispirited soul that speaks in all his utterances. The nurse carried him to Lo-debar among the mountains of Gilead, where he was brought up by Machir, son of Ammiel (2Sa 9:4). There he evidently married, for he had a son Mica when he returned later at David’s request. When David had settled his own affairs and subdued his enemies, he turned his inquiries to Saul’s household to see whether there were any survivors to whom he might show kindness for Jonathan’s sake (2Sa 9:1). The search caused the appearance of Ziba, a servant of Saul’s house (2Sa 9:2), who had meanwhile grown prosperous by some rapid process which can only be guessed at (2Sa 9:9, 2Sa 9:10). From him David learned about Mephibosheth, who was sent for. His humble bearing was consistent with his chronically broken spirit. David put Ziba’s property (which had belonged to Saul) at Mephibosheth’s disposal and made Ziba steward thereof. Mephibosheth was also to be a daily guest at David’s table (2Sa 9:11-13). Seventeen years pass, during which Mephibosheth seems to have lived in Jerusalem. Then came Absalom’s rebellion. David determined to flee, so distraught was he by the act of his son. At the moment of flight, in great depression and need, he was opportunely met by Ziba with food, refreshment and even means for travel. Naturally, the king inquired for Ziba’s master. The treacherous reply was made (2Sa 16:1-4) that Mephibosheth had remained behind for his own ends, hoping the people would give him, Saul’s grandson, the kingdom. David believed this and restored to Ziba the property lost. Not till many days after did the lame prince get his chance to give David his own version of the story. He met David on his return from quelling Absalom’s rebellion. He had not dressed his feet, trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes since the hour of David’s departure (2Sa 19:24). At David’s anxious request Mephibosheth told his story: his servant had deceived him; he wanted to go with David, had even asked for his beast to be saddled; but Ziba had left him, and had slandered him to the king. But he would not plead his cause any more; David is as an angel of God; whatever he decides will be well! (2Sa 19:26, 2Sa 19:27). Thus characteristically continued the speech of this lame, broken, humble man, son of a proud family (2Sa 19:28). David wearily settled the matter by dividing the property between the prince and his servant, the prince expressing utmost content that Ziba should take all so long as David remained friendly (2Sa 19:29, 2Sa 19:30). That David accepted Mephibosheth’s explanation and was drawn out in heart toward the character of the broken man is shown by the fact that when some expiation from Saul’s household was considered necessary to turn away the famine sent by an offended deity, Mephibosheth is spared when other members of Saul’s household were sacrificed (2Sa 21:7). The character of Mephibosheth well illustrates the effect of continued disaster, suspicion and treachery upon a sensitive mind.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Mephibosheth
Mephibosheth (extermination of idols; also in 1Ch 9:40, merib-baal), son of Jonathan and nephew of Saul (2Sa 4:4). He was only five years of age when his father and grandfather were slain in Mount Gilboa: and on the news of this catastrophe, the woman who had charge of the child, apprehending that David would exterminate the whole house of Saul, fled away with him; but in her hasty flight she stumbled with the child, and lamed him for life (B.C. 1055). Under this calamity, which was very incapacitating in times when agility and strength were of prime importance, Mephibosheth was unable to take any part in the stirring political events of his early life. According to our notions, he should have been the heir of the house of Saul; but in those times a younger son of an actual king was considered to have at least as good a claim as the son of an heir apparent who had never reigned, and even a better claim if the latter were a minor. This, with his lameness, prevented Mephibosheth from ever appearing as the opponent or rival of his uncle Ishbosheth on the one hand, or of David on the other (2 Samuel 9). He thus grew up in quiet obscurity in the house of Machir, one of the great men of the country beyond the Jordan (2Sa 9:4; 2Sa 17:27); and his very existence was unknown to David till that monarch, when firmly-settled in his kingdom, inquired whether any of the family of Jonathan survived, to whom he might show kindness for his father’s sake. Hearing then of Mephibosheth from Ziba, who had been the royal steward under Saul, he invited him to Jerusalem, assigned him a place at his own table, and bestowed upon him lands, which were managed for him by Ziba, and which enabled him to support an establishment suited to his rank. He lived in this manner till the revolt of Absalom, and then David, in his flight, having noticed the absence of Mephibosheth, inquired for him of Ziba, and being informed that he had remained behind in the hope of being restored to his father’s throne, instantly and very hastily revoked the grant of land and bestowed it on Ziba (2Sa 16:1-4). Afterwards, on his return to Jerusalem, he was met with sincere congratulations by Mephibosheth, who explained that being lame he had been unable to follow the king on foot, and that Ziba had purposely prevented his beast from being made ready to carry him: and he declared that so far from having joined in heart, or even appearance, the enemies of the king, he had remained as a mourner, and, as his appearance declared, had not changed his clothes, or trimmed his beard, or even dressed his feet, from the day that the king departed to that on which he returned. David could not but have been sensible that he had acted wrong, and ought to have been touched by the devotedness of his friend’s son, and angry at the imposition of Ziba; but to cover one fault by another, or from indifference, or from reluctance to offend Ziba, who had adhered to him when so many old friends forsook him, he answered coldly, ‘Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, thou and Ziba divide the land.’ The reply of Mephibosheth was worthy of the son of the generous Jonathan:’Yea, let him take all; forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house’ (2Sa 19:24-30).
We hear no more of Mephibosheth, except that David was careful that he should not be included in the savage vengeance which the Gibeonites were suffered to execute upon the house of Saul for the great wrong they had sustained during his reign (2Sa 21:7). Another Mephibosheth, a son of Saul by his concubine Rizpah, was, however, among those who suffered on that occasion (2Sa 21:8-9).
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Mephibosheth
[Mephib’osheth]
1. Son of Jonathan, the son of Saul. When five years old he fell from his nurse’s arms or shoulder, and became lame on both his feet. When David came into power he inquired if there were any of Saul’s descendants to whom he could show the kindness of God for Jonathan’s sake, and Mephibosheth was found. All that had been Saul’s possessions were given to Mephibosheth under the care of Ziba as his servant, and Mephibosheth was made to sit at the king’s table continually. David and Jonathan had made a league together as to their seed. 1Sa 20:15; 1Sa 20:42. David fully respected this and far exceeded it, for it was true grace in him to bring Mephibosheth to sit at his table.
When Absalom revolted, Ziba brought presents to David, and slandered Mephibosheth, saying that he sought the kingdom. David thereupon gave to Ziba all the possessions of Mephibosheth; but on hearing subsequently Mephibosheth’s explanations, David divided the inheritance between them. His doing this, and the way he answered Mephibosheth, “Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land,” makes it doubtful whether David was quite convinced of Mephibosheth’s innocence. While the king was away Mephibosheth had not dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes; and when David decided that the land should be divided, he said, “Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace.” When Saul’s descendants were required for a recompense to the Gibeonites David spared Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake, nor was he mentioned when the king died. 2Sa 4:4; 2Sa 9:3-13; 2Sa 16:1-4; 2Sa 19:24-30; 2Sa 21:7. In 1Ch 8:34; 1Ch 9:40 he is called MERIB-BAAL, ‘Baal contendeth.’
2. Son of Saul and Rizpah: he and his brother Armoni were among the seven given up to death, on account of the famine that God brought upon the land because Saul’s sin against the Gibeonites had not been atoned for. Rizpah protected the bodies by day and by night, until David caused their remains to be buried with those of Saul and Jonathan. 2Sa 21:8-14.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Mephibosheth
H4648
1. Son of Saul by Rizpah, whom David surrendered to the Gibeonites to be slain
2Sa 21:8-9
2. Son of Jonathan:
– General references
2Sa 4:4
– Called Merib-Baal
1Ch 8:34; 1Ch 9:40
– Was lame
2Sa 4:4
– David entertains him at his table
2Sa 9:1-7; 2Sa 21:7
– Property restored to
2Sa 9:9-10
– His ingratitude to David at the time of Absalom’s usurpation
2Sa 16:1-4; 2Sa 19:24-30
– Property of, confiscated
2Sa 16:4; 2Sa 19:29-30
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Mephibosheth
Mephibosheth (me-phb’o-shth), end of shame or abasement. 1. The son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, 2Sa 4:4; also called “Meribbaal”= contender against Baal. 1Ch 8:34; 1Ch 9:40. He was only about five years of age when his father was slain, and on the news of this catastrophe the nurse who had charge of him, apprehending that the whole house of Saul would be exterminated, fled away with him; but in her flight stumbled with the child, and lamed him for life. David made provision for Mephibosheth and his family. 2Sa 9:9-13; 2Sa 16:1-4; 2Sa 19:24-30. 2. A son of Saul by his concubine Rizpah. 2Sa 21:8.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Mephibosheth
Mephib’osheth. (exterminating the idol). The name borne by two members of the family of Saul — his son and his grandson.
1. Saul’s son, by Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, his concubine. 2Sa 21:8. He and his brother, Armoni, were among the seven victims, who were surrendered by David to the Gibeonites, and by them, crucified to avert a famine, from which the country was suffering.
2. The son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, and nephew of Mephibosheth, 1; called also Merib-baal. 1Ch 8:34. His life seems to have been, from beginning to end, one of trial and discomfort. When his father and grandfather were slain on Gilboa, he was an infant, but five years old. At this age, he met with an accident which deprived him, for life, of the use of both feet. 2Sa 4:4. After this, he is found a home with Machir ben-Ammiel, a powerful Gadite, who brought him up, and while here, was married.
Later on, David invited him to Jerusalem, and there treated him, and his son, Micha, with the greatest kindness. From this time forward, he resided at Jerusalem. Of Mephibosheth’s behavior during the rebellion of Absalom, we possess two accounts — his own, 2Sa 13:24-30, and that of Ziba, 2Sa 16:1-4. They are naturally, at variance with each other. In consequence of the story of Ziba, he was rewarded by the possessions of his master.
Mephibosheth’s story — which however, he had not the opportunity of telling, until several days later, when he met David returning to his kingdom, at the western bank of Jordan — was very different from Ziba’s. That David did not disbelieve it, is shown by his revoking the judgment, he had previously given. That he did not entirely reverse his decision, but allowed Ziba to retain possession of half the lands of Mephibosheth, is probably due partly to weariness at the whole transaction, but mainly to the conciliatory frame of mind in which he was at that moment. “Shall there any man be put to death this day?” is the keynote of the whole proceeding.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
MEPHIBOSHETH
son of Jonathan
(1) General References to
2Sa 4:4; 2Sa 9:6; 2Sa 16:4
(2) A Type of the Redeemed Sinner
Belonged to a royal line, but made a cripple by a fall
2Sa 4:4
Living in exile from the King, remembered because of a covenant
2Sa 9:3; 2Sa 9:4; 1Sa 20:14; 1Sa 20:15
Called into the King’s presence and exalted because of the
merits of another
2Sa 9:5; 2Sa 9:7
Given a glorious inheritance
2Sa 9:9
During the King’s absence lived a life of self-denial
2Sa 19:24
Subject to persecution and slander
2Sa 16:3; 2Sa 19:27
Rejoiced at the return of his Lord – cared little for material things
2Sa 19:30
Fuente: Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Mephibosheth
2Sa 9:6 (c) This interesting person has been taken as a type of all those whose walk is imperfect, their way of life is crooked, but they heard the call of the Lord, came to Him, were forgiven, were brought into His family, and their crooked feet were hidden under the table of His bounty, grace and mercy. This is such a wonderful type of the Saviour receiving the sinner, that the Queen of England recommended to Charles Stanley that he carry this message to all the armed forces.