Word In Life Study Bible
KEEPING PROMISES
2 Sam.9:1-13
Many people today have grown skeptical of the campaign promises of politicians. Often the electorate’s hopes have been dashed by people who make appealing claims while running for office, yet fail to deliver when elected.
Scripture presents David as a leader who kept his promises. David had sworn that he would show “kindness” (Hebrew, chesed, “devotion”) to Jonathan’s descendants (1 Sam. 20:11–16, 42). So once he was installed as king, David asked whether any of Saul’s descendants (and therefore Jonathan’s relatives) remained alive (2 Sam. 9:1). Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth was found, and David kept his promise (9:7–13).
This incident stands as a challenge to God’s people today to follow through on their promises and covenants. Sometimes it’s easy to rationalize a way out of keeping faith, especially when circumstances and relationships change. Yet David kept his commitment, even though Jonathan was dead, and even though Jonathan’s father spent years trying to take David’s life. David knew that God took the covenant between him and Jonathan seriously (see “A Variety of Promises to God” at Num. 30:2). So David determined to follow through.
David’s example also challenges parents and grandparents to uphold commitments made by earlier generations. To do so is a marvelous legacy to pass on to one’s children. It reflects the truth that we serve a promise-keeping God.
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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