II. MEPHIBOSHETH, Son of Jonathan, otherwise named Meribbaal, as may be seen under that Article. Mephibosheth was very young, when his Father Jonathan was killed in the Battle of Gilboa1. His Nurse was in such Consternation at this News, that she let the Child fall, who from this Accident continued lame all his Life after. When David found himself in peaceable Possession of the Kingdom2, he sent to make a Search for all that remained of the House of Saul, that he might be kind to ‘em in Consideration of the Friendship between him and Jonathan. ‘Twas told him there was a Son of Jonathan’s, called Mephibosheth, in the House of Ziba, a Servant of Saul’s. The King sent for him, and told him, that for the Sake of Jonathan his Father he would shew Kindness to him, that he should have his Grandfathers Estate, and eat always at his Table. At the same Time he told Ziba, that he had given Mephibosheth all that belonged to Saul, bidding him make the best of the Lands for the Maintenance of Mephibosheth’s Son Micha; for as to himself, he should always be maintained at the King’s Table. So he dwelt at Jerusalem, and eat every Day with King David.
Some Years after this3, when Absalom rebelled against his Father, and forced him to leave Jerusalem, Mephibosheth ordered his Servant Ziba to saddle him an Ass, that he might go along with David; for being lame, he could not go on Foot. But Ziba not only refused him this, but went after David himself with two Asses loaden with Provisions, and told him that Mephibosheth, instead of coming to wait on the King, staid at Jerusalem, in Hopes that the People of Israel would restore him to the Throne of his Ancestors. Then says David to Ziba, I give to you every Thing that belonged to Mephibosheth. But after that Absalom’s Party was defeated, and David returned to Jerusalem in Peace, Mephibosheth came forth to meet the King. He appeared before him as one in deep Mourning, having neither washed his Feet, nor shaved his Beard, since the King went. When David saw him he asked him, Why did you go along with me, Mephibosheth? He answered, My Lord and my King, my Servant Ziba betrayed me in not obeying my Commands. For being lame as I am, I ordered him to prepare me an Ass that I might attend the King; instead of doing this, he went himself, to accuse me falsly to my Lord the King. But you, my Lord, are as an Angel of God, do with me as you please. For all the House of my Father have deserved nothing but Death at your Hands. instead of which you have been graciously pleased to give me a Place at your Table. What Occasion then have I to complain, and why should I be troublesome any longer? The King said to him, ‘Tis enough, what I have once ordered shall stand good; therefore do you and Ziba divide the Lands between you. To this Mephibosheth replied, I am very willing that he should have all, since I have seen my Lord the King return safely to his own House. Mephibosheth left a Son named Micha. The Time of his Death is not known.
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