Name: Alvaro Larrea
Date: 23 March 2023
Section: 003/Honors
Old Testament Bible Study Assignment
Passage: 2 Samuel 9:1-13
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of David and Mephibosheth
found in 2 Samuel 9:1-13. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this
passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and
Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study.
I. Observation
A. I have read 2 Samuel 9:1-13 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or
CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer.
You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your WORDsearch Library.
oYes
oNo
B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
David, Ziba, Mephibosheth
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
David asks if there are any descendants of Saul left to whom he can show kindness based
on a promise made to Jonathan. A servant of the house of Saul named Ziba tells him that
there is only one son of Jonathan left, Mephibosheth, who is crippled. David has
Mephibosheth brought from Lo-debar and tells him that he will give him all that was left
of his grandfather’s land. David then tells Mephibosheth that he will always eat at the
King’s table and that Ziba and his family will serve him.
3. Narrative structure: (50-100 words)
(Hint: Narrative structure is not the same as plot. Consult the tutorial and the example
if you are uncertain of how this question is different than the plot question).
Introduction:
David asks if there is any descendant of Saul still alive.
Inciting Incident:
Ziba tells David Mephibosheth is the only one left and that he is crippled.
Rising Action:
Mephibosheth comes from Lo-debar and bows before David.
Climax:
David tells Mephibosheth that he will restore to him what is left of the land that belonged
to Saul.
Falling Action:
David tells Ziba that he and his family will farm the land and bring the crops to
Mephibosheth so he is always provided for.
Resolution:
Mephibosheth lives in Jerusalem and eats at the king’s table as if he were one of David’s
sons.
C. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
1. Who:
David
Saul
Ziba
Jonathan (David promised he would keep his family safe)
Mephibosheth.
Mika
Ziba’s family
2. What:
David’s promise to Jonathan is fulfilled.
The remainder of Saul’s land is given to Mephibosheth.
Mephibosheth sits at the king’s table.
3. Where:
Jerusalem
David’s palace
Lo-debar
4. When:
During David’s reign.
After Jonathan’s death.
5. Why:
Why did David show Mephibosheth kindness?
oDavid made a promise to Jonathan that he would be kind to the
descendants of Saul.
6. How:
How did David fulfill his promise to Jonathan?
oHe gave the remainder of Saul’s land to Mephibosheth and appointed
servants to farm the land for him, given that he was crippled.
II. Interpretation
A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words) explain what you
think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember, the Old Testament
narratives frequently communicate truth by showing it to us in story form instead of
telling it to us by way of teaching or sermon.
The story of David and Mephibosheth showcases God’s faithfulness and the fact that He
will always keep the promises and covenants He makes with His people. God continues
to work and fulfill it regardless of how long it is since a covenant is established. David
shows kindness to Mephibosheth based on the promise made to his father, Jonathan. This
is similar to how God keeps the Davidic covenant going centuries later by allowing
descendants of David, good or bad, to ascend to the throne with the ultimate fulfillment
through Jesus Christ. This story is a clear example of how God stays true to his word and
fulfills the promises made to his people.
B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able
to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.
God always remains faithful to his people. He will always work to fulfill the promises
and covenants He makes.
III. Correlation
A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what
type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation), and
explain why you think this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200
words) in length.
The story of David and Mephibosheth relates to the “redemption” theme of the
metanarrative of the Bible. This story showcases faithfulness regardless of circumstance,
which God shows humanity from the moment Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of
Eden. David upholds his promise to Jonathan by showing Mephibosheth kindness even
though he is crippled. Even Mephibosheth is surprised by what David tells him, but
David explains that he is fulfilling his promise to Jonathan that the remainder of Saul’s
land would be given to the last living descendant. Redemption in the metanarrative of the
Bible demonstrates God’s “hesed,” His loyal and faithful love, regardless of humanity’s
rebellion. Therefore, by David remaining faithful to his promise, he demonstrates how
God will continue to love and fulfill his promises even if humans do not.
B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you have
written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true
Biblical principle, it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures.EWhere is the principle
discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your
explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
Even though humanity constantly rebels against God throughout scripture, He remains
faithful to his promises and never stops showing love and mercy. This principle is shown
in the most significant way when Jesus comes to earth and dies for our sins. Jesus is the
ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption. In this story, David remains faithful
to his promise and ensures that he finds the last descendant of Saul to give him the land.
Overall, just as David did with Mephibosheth, God did not let go of the promises he
made through his people throughout the Old Testament and continued to work to ensure
they were fulfilled.
C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State
and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the
person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200
words) in length.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Christ]”
(English Standard Version, 2 Cor. 1.20). In this story, David remains faithful to his
promise to Jonathan and restores to Mephibosheth the remainder of Saul’s land. Jesus is
the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to his people in the Old Testament. The
kindness shown to Mephibosheth was the crucial element of David’s commitment.
Similarly, the death of Jesus on the cross was the climax of the fulfillment of God’s
promise of redemption. All that Jesus did throughout his life was part of the fulfillment of
the promises made to humanity, which can relate to how David not only gave
Mephibosheth the land but also made sure he always ate at the king’s table and made
Ziba and his family farm and harvest the crops for Mephibosheth.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and
explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for these
points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words).
A. The question of duty
We must remain faithful to God just as He has been loyal to us. We need to show the love
that God has shown us to others. Throughout the Old Testament, God remains faithful to
his people despite their constant rebellion and sin. Therefore, if God could remain faithful
for centuries to his creation, we should remain loyal to Him to show gratitude for the gift
of salvation. Like David, who followed his promise and showed kindness to
Mephibosheth, we, too, must show kindness to others and remain loyal to them. In short,
we need to follow the greatest commandment that Jesus outlines in Matthew 22:37-39,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself’” (New International Version).
B. The question of character
David serves as an excellent example of the character people should develop. David
shows loyalty and kindness in this story by fully upholding his promise to Jonathan. He
could have easily forgotten about it and never looked after Jonathan’s family, but instead,
he made sure he found the remaining descendant and showed them the kindness he said
he would. This is an excellent reference for people as they should remain faithful to their
promises and show kindness to others. Furthermore, Mephibosheth demonstrates how
people should demonstrate humility. When David calls him, he asks why he would show
kindness to someone like him and gratefully takes the gift.
C. The question of goals
People should strive to be faithful servants of the Lord. By following the greatest
commandment, people should aim to follow Christ’s example and spread His love to all
the nation. Furthermore, there should be an intense focus on reaping the fruits of the
spirit, which will, in turn, help the ultimate goal of spreading God’s word. Having the
purpose of following God’s commands will result in a Godly life that will fill people with
the Holy Spirit and make those people a light to others. By seeing those living a Godly
life, they will know that they can follow that path and fill them with a desire to pursue the
Lord.
D. The question of discernment
Every day people need to look at themselves and their lives and ask whether they are
constantly striving to show kindness and love to those around them. Both of these require
action, not simply words, and people are responsible for self-analyzing if their words
match their actions. As people strive to accomplish God’s commandments, they need to
make sure they are staying close to the word and not doing anything solely based on what
they think is right. Every new day should provide people with an opportunity to look at
themselves and engage in conversation with God about how they are carrying out his
mandates.
