Different people have different views on what makes a good leader. In this passage we see that King David wins battles … God gave him the victories over his enemies. We find, however, David behaving in ways which might make us feel uncomfortable. In one instance, two thirds of the survivors were put to death … a reminder that only in the coming of the Lord Jesus can God’s kingdom truly be seen.

David also showed God’s kindness to a potential rival. What motivated David to do this? … his own experience of God’s kindness. David did even more than just being kind to Mephibosheth, he entered into a personal relationship with Him. This is a wonderful preview of God’s grace in Christ … being reconciled as a free gift through faith when we were once his enemies. All who receive this priceless gift are the Lord’s Mephibosheths.