And all the elders of Israel gathered together and they came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now, install for us a king to govern us like all the nations.” 1 Samuel 8:4–5
Saul was anointed king over Israel. He was the asked for king. Imagine being led to find the meaning of the name Saul. But it came one night… Unexpectedly. It was from this portion, from which I previously posted.
Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul came to David and fell upon his face and bowed down. Then David said, “Mephibosheth,” and he responded, “I am your servant.”
David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will certainly show you kindness on account of Jonathan, your father. I will return to you every field of Saul, your father, and you will eat at my table perpetually.” 2 Samuel 9:6–7
I still contemplate what is veiled in this portion of the Bible. It is almost embedded in menory.
When Saul died and David became king, it would be customary to dispatch all of the male descendants of the previous king preventing any inclination to the throne. So when David summoned Mephibosheth, reluctance to comply would be very real. But he goes anyway.
David says do not be afraid, he is addressing this tension. He then gives Mephibosheth a perpetual place at the king’s table. He would be treated as a son of the king, as the text says perpetually.
Ziba said to the king, “Everything that my lord the king has commanded his servant, your servant will do.” So Mephibosheth ate at the table of David like one of the sons of the king. 2 Samuel 9:11
When I made that earlier post, the revelation of the meaning of Saul’s name drew my instant attention. The impression that came with it connected to the fall in the Garden of Eden. I could not quite understand how Adam asked for a new king. I equated Saul as a typification of Satan.
Adam and Eve both chose disobedience and to give themselves over to certain death. From that the death reigned, until the new King was anointed.
David was anointed long before his ascension to the throne. Jesus has yet to take His.
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from ruling over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have chosen a king for Myself from among his sons.” 1 Samuel 16:1
God anointed a King for Himself. The typification was to be a macro-level view played out by two kings. It would be from the fall to the Triumphal Entry when the King is anointed. Then the cross and resurrection showing death has already been defeated. The culmination is when the King takes His throne in the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ.
It was not until a few nights ago, that it was understood better. Saul is not a typification of Satan. He embodies death. Death that pursued the new King.
Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” 1 Samuel 16:2a
Saul embodies disobedience and death. The tension of the two kings shows that death never had a claim on David from the time he was anointed until he took his throne.
Saul’s life served a purpose to the people. He was to point to God’s chosen king who gives people rest. Just as death was appointed, it serves a purpose.
Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death has spread to all men, because all have sinned. Romans 5:12
God gave the people what they asked for. Then he exploited death, inserting a window of time to show the people mercy.
For God has imprisoned them all in disobedience, so that He might be merciful to all. Romans 11:32
That death is on all, likewise mercy is on all, as they live to breathe after they sin. Just as David escaped. Without the mercy of God, there would be no time for anyone to exercise faith.
But the Scripture has confined all things under sin, that the promise through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22
The last enemy to be defeated is death. David honored God and waited patiently for His timing. Just as Jesus awaits His Father’s timing.
For since death came by man, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end when He will deliver up the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He will reign until He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For He “has put all things under His feet.” But when He says, “all things are put under Him,” it is revealed that He, who has put all things under Him, is the exception. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:21–28
