This verse from 2 Samuel 19:25 sets the stage for a key conversation between King David and Mephibosheth after David's return to Jerusalem following Absalom's rebellion. To understand the verse fully, we need to consider the context:
Background: Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. David had made a covenant with Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants after his death. Mephibosheth was lame in both feet.
Absalom's Rebellion: David's son, Absalom, had led a rebellion against him, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. During this time, David relied on the support of various individuals and groups.
Ziba's Deception: Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth, had met David while he was fleeing, bringing supplies and claiming that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to regain the kingdom of Saul. David, believing Ziba, had hastily transferred all of Mephibosheth's property to Ziba.
Now, analyzing the verse:
"When he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king..." This shows that Mephibosheth finally gets a chance to explain himself to David after David returns to Jerusalem. He is making an effort to greet the king and offer his allegiance.
"...the king said to him, 'Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?'" This is David's question, reflecting his expectation that Mephibosheth should have supported him during the rebellion. David seems disappointed or even suspicious of Mephibosheth's absence. He is directly confronting Mephibosheth, demanding an explanation for his apparent lack of loyalty.
Significance of the Verse:
This verse is significant because:
It highlights the tension and distrust that arose during Absalom's rebellion. David was likely suspicious of many people, given the circumstances.
It allows Mephibosheth to offer his side of the story and defend his actions (or lack thereof). The following verses will reveal Mephibosheth's explanation.
It sets the stage for David's judgment regarding Mephibosheth and Ziba, and the restoration (or lack thereof) of Mephibosheth's inheritance.
In essence, this verse is David holding Mephibosheth accountable for not showing support during a critical time. It is a moment of direct questioning and an opportunity for Mephibosheth to explain his actions. The audience knows that Mephibosheth was likely prevented from going with David, and that Ziba had lied to David.
This verse from 2 Samuel 19:25 sets the stage for a key conversation between King David and Mephibosheth after David's return to Jerusalem following Absalom's rebellion. To understand the verse fully, we need to consider the context:
Background: Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. David had made a covenant with Jonathan to show kindness to his descendants after his death. Mephibosheth was lame in both feet.
Absalom's Rebellion: David's son, Absalom, had led a rebellion against him, forcing David to flee Jerusalem. During this time, David relied on the support of various individuals and groups.
Ziba's Deception: Ziba, a servant of Mephibosheth, had met David while he was fleeing, bringing supplies and claiming that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem, hoping to regain the kingdom of Saul. David, believing Ziba, had hastily transferred all of Mephibosheth's property to Ziba.
Now, analyzing the verse:
"When he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king..." This shows that Mephibosheth finally gets a chance to explain himself to David after David returns to Jerusalem. He is making an effort to greet the king and offer his allegiance.
"...the king said to him, 'Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?'" This is David's question, reflecting his expectation that Mephibosheth should have supported him during the rebellion. David seems disappointed or even suspicious of Mephibosheth's absence. He is directly confronting Mephibosheth, demanding an explanation for his apparent lack of loyalty.
Significance of the Verse:
This verse is significant because:
It highlights the tension and distrust that arose during Absalom's rebellion. David was likely suspicious of many people, given the circumstances.
It allows Mephibosheth to offer his side of the story and defend his actions (or lack thereof). The following verses will reveal Mephibosheth's explanation.
It sets the stage for David's judgment regarding Mephibosheth and Ziba, and the restoration (or lack thereof) of Mephibosheth's inheritance.
In essence, this verse is David holding Mephibosheth accountable for not showing support during a critical time. It is a moment of direct questioning and an opportunity for Mephibosheth to explain his actions. The audience knows that Mephibosheth was likely prevented from going with David, and that Ziba had lied to David.