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leaving a trace behind. But it was not so. When he had reached the climax of his
power,^297 he made inquiry for any descendant of Saul to whom he might show "the
kindness of God" for Jonathan's sake.
There is something deeply touching alike in this loving remembrance of the past,
and in the manner of it, while David was at the zenith of his power, which shows his
true character, and proves that success had not yet injured his better nature. There
was but one legitimate scion of the royal house left -Mephibosheth, who bore in his
lamed body the memorial of that sad day on Mount Gilboa. It is another bright
glimpse into the moral state of the people that all this time the poor neglected
descendant of fallen royalty should have found a home and support in the house of
the wealthy chieftain Machir, the son of Ammiel, at Lodebar,^298 near Mahanaim, the
scene of Ishbosheth's murder (2 Samuel 4).
Yet another evidence was afterwards given of the worth and character of Machir. He
had evidently known to appreciate David's conduct toward Mephibosheth, and in
consequence become one of his warmest adherents, not only in the time of
prosperity, but in that of direst adversity, when he dared openly to espouse David's
cause, and to supply him in his flight with much needed help (2 Samuel 17:27-29).
But to return. The first care of the king was to send for Ziba, well known as a servant
of Saul's - perhaps formerly the steward of his household. It is curious to note how,
even after David assured him of his friendly intentions, Ziba on mentioning
Mephibosheth, immediately told that he was "lame on his feet," as if to avert
possible evil consequences. So strongly did the Oriental idea seem rooted in his
mind, that a new king would certainly compass the death of all the descendants of
his predecessor. Something of the same feeling appeared also in the bearing of
Mephibosheth when introduced to David. But far other thoughts were in the king's
heart. Mephibosheth was henceforth to be treated as one of the royal princes. His
residence was to be at Jerusalem, and his place at the king's table while, at the same
time, all the land formerly belonging to Saul was restored to him for his support.
Ziba, whom David regarded as a faithful adherent of his old master's family, was
directed, with his sons and servants, to attend to the ancestral property of
Mephibosheth.
We love to dwell upon this incident in the history of David, which forms, so to
speak, an appendix to the narrative of the first period of his reign, not merely for
what it tells us of the king, but as the last bright spot on which the eye rests. Other
thoughts, also, seem to crowd around us, as we repeat to ourselves such words as
"the kindness of God" and "for Jonathan's sake." Thus much would a man do, and so
earnestly would he inquire for the sake of an earthly friend whom he had loved. Is
(^)