Grace in a Barren Place

In this message centering on 2 Samuel 9, Chuck Swindoll explores what he calls the “greatest illustration of grace in all the Old Testament.” The narrative takes place during an interlude of peace in King David’s reign. Reflecting on his past, David asks a pivotal question: “Is there yet anyone left of the House of Saul that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Swindoll notes that David does not ask if there is anyone worthy or qualified, but simply if there is anyone left.

The search leads to Mephibosheth, the crippled grandson of King Saul and son of Jonathan. Mephibosheth is living in obscurity in Lo-debar (meaning “no pasture”), hiding from the King in fear of execution, as was the custom for rival dynasties. When summoned to court, Mephibosheth expects death but instead receives grace—defined by Swindoll as “positive acceptance in spite of the other person”.

Swindoll vividly reconstructs the scene where the “dead dog” (as Mephibosheth calls himself) is elevated to the status of a son. David restores his grandfather’s land and grants him a permanent seat at the King’s table. The sermon concludes by drawing eight powerful analogies between Mephibosheth’s experience with David and the believer’s experience with God, emphasizing that we, too, are spiritual cripples who have been sought out, adopted, and seated at the table of the King.

Message Key Facts:

• A Definition of Grace: Swindoll offers a specific, working definition: “Grace is a demonstration of love that is not deserved and can never be repaid.” It operates apart from the response or ability of the individual receiving it.
• The “Kindness” of God: Swindoll notes that the word “kindness” in verse 1 is a translation of the Hebrew word hesed, which is better rendered as mercy or grace. It is deeper than soft tenderness; it is loyal love based on a covenant.
• The Two Promises: David’s actions were rooted in two promises he made years prior:
  1. To Jonathan (1 Samuel 20): That he would not cut off his lovingkindness from Jonathan’s house forever.
  2. To Saul (1 Samuel 24): That he would not destroy Saul’s name or descendants.
• Lo-debar: Mephibosheth was found in a place called Lo-debar. Lo means “no” and debar comes from the root for “pasture.” He was living in a barren wasteland of desolation, hiding from the King.
• The Cause of the Crippling: Swindoll references 2 Samuel 4:4 to explain Mephibosheth’s condition. At age five, upon hearing of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths, his nurse fled in panic and dropped him, leaving him lame in both feet for life.
• The “Yes” Face: Swindoll uses an illustration of Thomas Jefferson carrying a man across a river because he had a “Yes face.” Similarly, when Mephibosheth looked at David, he didn’t see the “No” of judgment, but the “Yes” of grace.
• The Tablecloth of Grace: Swindoll asks listeners to imagine the supper table. While David’s other children (Absalom, Tamar, Solomon) were physically attractive, Mephibosheth hobbled in. However, once seated, “the tablecloth covered his feet,” and he looked just like the other sons of the King. This pictures how God’s grace covers our infirmities and treats us as equal heirs.
• Analogies of Salvation: Swindoll lists several parallels between Mephibosheth and the believer:
  • We were hiding from God (as Mephibosheth hid from David).
  • We had nothing to offer and could not repay the King.
  • We were taken from a barren place to a place of plenty.
  • We were adopted into the family for the sake of Another (Jesus/Jonathan).

Message References:

• 2 Samuel 9: The primary narrative of David showing kindness to Mephibosheth.
• 1 Samuel 20:13–15: Jonathan asking David to promise kindness to his house forever.
• 1 Samuel 24:20–22: Saul asking David to swear he will not cut off his descendants.
• 2 Samuel 4:4: The historical account of how Mephibosheth became lame in his feet.
• 2 Samuel 9:8: Mephibosheth’s response to grace: “What is your servant that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll