Mephibosheth
Theme:
Taking a seat at the table
Business Application:
Be confident in who you are and undeterred by those that would keep you down
Who he was:
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, David’s best friend and son of King Saul, the man who preceded David on the throne. Mephibosheth was lame and David invited him to live in the palace, in honor of his late friend.
When David found Mephibosheth, he was living in a desolate region, while a steward, Ziba, occupied his land as if he owned it. David took him to Jerusalem promising he would eat at his table. He ordered the steward to cultivate the land and bring a large part of the harvest to the King’s table.
Years later, when David fled the city to escape Absalom’s insurrection, Ziba seized the opportunity to reclaim the land by telling David Mephibosheth had sided with Absalom. Upon return to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth greeted the king, distraught over Ziba’s lie. So David divided the ownership of the land between the two men.
Why his story matters:
Mephibosheth’s story illustrates how easy it is to hide who we really are and be intimidated by others. Mephibosheth asked David why he would be interested in a “dead dog” like him. The rivalry with Ziba illustrates how precarious the position of someone like Mephibosheth is and how easily others can push them aside.
What we can learn from him:
The importance of taking and defending your seat at the table; being aware of feelings of intimidation; and not allowing others to usurp your position in a moment of vulnerability.
Where we see his archetype today:
Any time someone who has been marginalized has an opportunity for a position of power and influence. They may have been surrounded by negative voices of people who benefitted from keeping them down.
How we can learn more about him:
Mephibosheth’s story is in 2 Samuel 9, 2 Samuel 16:1-4, and 2 Samuel 19:24-30. The promise David made to Jonathan to care for his descendants if he was killed, is in 1 Samuel 20:12-17.