Showing Appreciation For People’s Support

Mephibosheth was one of Saul’s sons, and for Jonathan’s sake, David had given him all Saul’s property, and made him almost a member of his family.  When David fled from Jerusalem, he had not gone with David’s supporters, and Ziba had accused him of staying behind in hopes of being made king.  As a result, David had told Ziba all the property would be his. 

When David returned, Mephibosheth met him and David asked why he had stayed behing, in II Samuel 19:24-25.  “And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.  And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?”

Mephibosheth obviously was not anticipating being made king, because he had not even changed to clean clothes or trimmed his beard and combed his hair.  Because he was handicapped, he had been forced to catch a donkey to ride, and by the time he did so, it was too late, as he explained in II Samuel 19:26-28.  “And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.  And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.  For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?” 

Mephibosheth realized that another king might well have executed him to prevent an attempt to usurp the throne, and instead David had treated his as a close friend.  He felt he had no right to make any further claims on David.  Because Ziba had brought supplies, and David appreciated it, he told Mephibosheth to divide the property with Ziba.  Mephibosheth said he was so glad that David had survived that Ziba could have everything for having helped David, in II Samuel 19:29-30.  “And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.”

Barzillai had brought David many supplies to make their exile more comfortable.  When David returned to Jerusalem, Barzillai and his men escorted David back across the Jordan, in II Samuel 19:31-33.  “And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.  Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.  And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.”

David wanted to show his appreciation for what Barzillai had done, but Barzillai said he was too old to really enjoy moving to the city.  He was just going to go a little way, then return home, as he explained in II Samuel 19:34-40, asking David to allow one of his men to receive the honors instead.  “And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?  

Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?  Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.  And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.  Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.”

People were glad to help David, and he made a special effort to show his appreciation, strengthening their relationships.