2Sam. 9:1 ¶ David asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
2Sam. 9:6 Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face and did obeisance. David said, “Mephibosheth!” He answered, “I am your servant.”
2Sam. 9:7 David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan; I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always.”
2Sam. 9:8 He did obeisance and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?”
David seems to defy the most basic rules of being king – eliminating rivals to the throne – but he does act as a shepherd in remembering his love for Jonathan, son of Saul. His enemy finds home at his table – as we all should at our Communion table…