Holy Bible Online 
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. He was born into a royal family, but his life changed drastically after the death of his father and grandfather. Jonathan, who was a close friend of David, died in battle alongside Saul, which led to David becoming the new king of Israel.
When Mephibosheth was only five years old, a tragedy occurred. Upon hearing of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s nurse tried to flee with him in her arms. During the escape, she dropped him, causing a serious injury to his legs. As a result, Mephibosheth became crippled and could no longer walk.
After his accident, Mephibosheth was taken to Lo-Debar, an isolated and desolate place. The Bible does not reveal how many years he lived in Lo-Debar, but we know he remained there from the time he fled as a child until he was found by David as an adult. During that time, he had no privileges and lived in hardship until King David found him and restored his dignity.
After becoming king, David wanted to honor his friendship with Jonathan and asked if there was anyone from Saul’s family he could help. He then learned of Mephibosheth. David brought him to the palace and gave him a place of honor, allowing him to live as part of his own family. Furthermore, David restored Saul’s lands to Mephibosheth and appointed his servant Ziba to care for him and ensure he was well provided for.
During Absalom’s Rebellion, David’s son who tried to usurp the throne, Ziba accused Mephibosheth of betrayal, claiming that Mephibosheth hoped to reclaim Saul’s throne. David believed Ziba’s words and gave him all of Mephibosheth’s land.
After the conflict, Mephibosheth explained to David that he had asked Ziba to saddle a donkey so he could follow the king during Absalom’s rebellion. However, Ziba betrayed him, left him behind, and went alone to meet David, lying and accusing him of seeking Saul’s throne. David then decided to divide the land between Mephibosheth and Ziba, recognizing the earlier injustice.
It’s worth clarifying that there are two Mephibosheths in the Bible, both descendants of Saul: Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, and Mephibosheth the brother of Jonathan, also called Merib-Baal, who was hanged. Although the Bible does not say how Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, died, his life demonstrates David’s loyalty in fulfilling his promise.
The story also reveals how God cares for those in difficult circumstances. Even with his limitations, Mephibosheth was treated with dignity and respect, highlighting that everyone deserves care and compassion.
Key Events in the Life of Mephibosheth
- Royal origin: Mephibosheth was born into a royal family as the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul.
- Flight and accident: At five years old, Mephibosheth was injured when his nurse tried to flee after the deaths of Saul and Jonathan and accidentally dropped him. He became crippled in both feet.
- Life in Lo-Debar: After the accident, he was taken to live in Lo-Debar, a remote and barren place, where he lived humbly and depended on others.
- Meeting with King David: Because of his friendship with Jonathan, David searched for any descendants of Saul to show kindness to. He found Mephibosheth and brought him to the palace.
- David restores Mephibosheth: David restored all of Saul’s lands to him and ensured Ziba and his sons would care for him. Mephibosheth was also invited to eat at David’s table, like a member of the royal family.
- Conflict with Ziba: During Absalom’s rebellion, Ziba accused Mephibosheth of betrayal and seeking Saul’s throne. David believed Ziba and gave him the land.
- Truth restored: After the rebellion, Mephibosheth explained how Ziba deceived him. David then divided the land between the two, acknowledging the earlier mistake.
Lessons from the Life of Mephibosheth
Mephibosheth’s story offers valuable lessons about friendship, truth, and overcoming adversity. Despite living much of his life in hardship, he exemplifies these values through his personal journey.
Friendship is a central theme, especially the bond between Jonathan and King David. Jonathan made a covenant with David, promising mutual protection and support. When David became king, he honored that promise by seeking out Mephibosheth and offering him a place of honor, returning his land, and ensuring his well-being. David’s gesture reflects the depth of true friendship—loyal and unchanging, even amid shifting circumstances.
Truth also plays a critical role. During Absalom’s rebellion, Mephibosheth’s servant Ziba betrayed him by falsely accusing him of seeking Saul’s throne. David, believing Ziba, initially gave him Mephibosheth’s land. Later, when Mephibosheth revealed the truth, David decided to divide the land as a way of making amends.
Despite these trials, Mephibosheth showed great resilience. He accepted the division of his land and Ziba’s betrayal with dignity. His ability to endure injustice and maintain honor reveals a strong character and serves as an example of perseverance.
The story of Mephibosheth teaches us that true friendship and a commitment to truth are essential to integrity and justice. Moreover, even when faced with betrayal and loss, we can find strength to overcome adversity and preserve our dignity.
Bible Study: Mephibosheth, Son of David’s Best Friend
Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s father, was King Saul’s oldest son and a close friend of King David. Jonathan and David shared a deep, loyal friendship. Although David was anointed as Israel’s future king, Jonathan—who was next in line for the throne—accepted and supported David.
Jonathan made a covenant with David, pledging mutual protection and assistance. Jonathan’s loyalty and sacrifice were profound, as he placed David’s well-being and God’s will above his own claim to the throne. His actions exemplify true friendship and devotion.
This friendship directly impacted Mephibosheth’s life. In keeping with his promise, David sought Mephibosheth after becoming king, restored his lands, and honored him.
Jonathan’s influence in his relationship with David demonstrates loyalty and true friendship. He made a promise and kept it, showing how friendship can have a lasting and positive impact—not just on the individuals involved, but on future generations as well.
Did Mephibosheth Die by Hanging?
The confusion around Mephibosheth’s death by hanging likely comes from another event involving Saul’s descendants. In 2 Samuel 21, seven of Saul’s descendants were executed by the Gibeonites as reparation for Saul’s past offenses against them. Among those executed were the sons of Rizpah (a concubine of Saul) and other members of Saul’s family.
However, Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, was spared because of the covenant between David and Jonathan.
The confusion likely arises because another son of Saul, also named Mephibosheth (also called Merib-Baal), was executed. But the Mephibosheth who died was not Jonathan’s son. Instead, he was a different descendant of Saul by his concubine Rizpah.
Therefore, Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, was not hanged. The confusion stems from the similarity in names and the execution of a different Mephibosheth from Saul’s lineage.
See also: