Covenant Love
II Samuel 9
January 7, 2001

Illustration:  Former President George Bush was defeated for reelection in 1992, according to many pundits, because of one line:  "Read my lips:  no new taxes!"  Then, caught in political maneuvering, he raised taxes.  Promises made then laid aside were costly.

Illustration:  Franklin Delano Roosevelt's speech in Pittsburgh in 1932 advocatedrestraint in government spending.  Four years later he wanted to speak in favor of government spending.  The solution according to his advisors:  deny you made a speech in Pittsburgh in 1932. 

            David could have done the same - I Samuel 20's covenant with Jonathan.  Now, 15 years later, all enemies vanquished and the lone rival to his throne was Mephibosheth.  But David honored covenant love:  "life under covenant gives you a firm place to stand and ought to evoke a sense of security, privilege, and wonder from you" (R. Davis 99).

 

I. Covenant Power

            Key word: hesed in verses 1,3 and 7 - kindness, covenant loyalty, covenant love, grace.  "It is love that is willing to commit itself to another by making its promise a matter of solemn record (R. Davis 100).  Rather than hiding, denying, altering, David honors covenant love.

            I Samuel 20:15 - A lot happened since that day:

-         Chased by Saul

-         Journey among Philistines

-         King in Hebron 7 � years

-         Declared king over Israel

-         Subduing enemies, consolidating kingdom

At least 15 years had passed, but this covenant yet controlled David's thoughts and actions.

Verse 1 -

"The promise made in the past directs fidelity in the present" (R. Davis 101).  Does this say something to us about our own covenant relations?  E.g. marriage - looked down upon by the world (France's marriages).  "What the world does not see is that love that truly loves is willing to bind itself, is willing to promise, willingly and gladly obligates itself so that the other may stand securely in that love" (R. Davis 101). 

Public confession of Christ - covenant.  "Sometimes you do not keep your covenants because you feel like it but simply because you promised" (R. Davis 101). 

Mercy of house of Machir son of Ammiel as benefactor:

-         Pity for his condition

-         Have focused and heaped upon him in spite of being in the "enemy's camp" and a rival to the throne

-         Solidification by liquidation is the war norm

-         Covenant love for one who could do nothing for him

Though Mephibosheth was an enemy, David promised hesed:  that was his security and shelter.  Mephibosheth is not the only one eating at the king's table; so are we in a greater sense (Romans 8:32-39)

Illustration:  "The works of B. B. Warfield, the esteemed theologian of old Princeton Seminary, are still known and read in the evangelical church today.  What is not so well known is the tale of his marriage.  Warfield was pursuing studies in Leipzig, Germany, in 1876-77.  This time also doubled as honeymoon with his wife Annie.  They were on a walking tour in the Harz Mountains when they were caught in a terrific thunderstorm.  The experience was such as shock to Annie that she never fully recovered, becoming more or less an invalid for life.  Warfield only left her for his seminary duties, but never for more than two hours at a time.  His world was almost entirely limited to Princeton and to the care of his wife.  For thirty-nine years.  One of his students noted that when he saw the Warfields out walking together 'the gentleness of his manner was striking proof of the loving care with which he surrounded her.'  For thirty-nine years.  That is the power covenant exercises.      

 

II. Covenant Provision

            Observations

(1)   Much is made of Mephibosheth being of Saul's household

(2)   When reference to Ziba, David is "the king," but to Mephibosheth, "David," much more personal

(3)   Stress of emphasis, high point, v. 7 - a turning point of the story.

What is provided? V. 7

(1)   Protection - do not be afraid

(2)   Provisions - income

(3)   Position - King's table

Mephibosheth was familiar with what happened to rivals.  David's provision went beyond his promise to Jonathan.  Such is the nature of hesed in the Lord.  Here David simply followed what he had known in the Lord.  Romans 5:6-10 - helpless, sinners, enemies; Ephesians 3:20-21.  We are so like Mephibosheth!

 

III. Covenant Person

            Verses 11-13 stress in chapter is upon Mephibosheth as:  lame wrong heredity, weakness. 

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