II Samuel 8-10

“Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (9:1). Although King Saul had persecuted David out of jealousy, David had refused to retaliate. After Saul’s death, rather than wiping out his family, David sought to honor them, due to his friendship with Jonathan. He included Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s heir, at “the king’s table.” David’s attempt to show honor, however, was not always well-received: the Ammonites humiliated and rejected his men (ch 10).

“The Lord will do what is good in his sight” (10:12). Choosing the Lord’s ways (forgiveness, kindness, generosity) may or may not immediately benefit us. But God sees our choices, and his “well done” is our aim.