Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-17
Sunday School Lesson for October Is Discussed
by Rev. J. E. Gilbert, D. D., Secretary
American Society of Religious Education.



though little child a, his fathers death.
lathers estimate OF David and he must
nave cherished similar feelings OF regard.
he came now on unusual errand, in
E.eo by the good king. who. as his
Iathers friend. would henceforth be his
protector and benefactor Such circum-
stances must have awakened the deepest
and most ardent affection.
PROMlSE-David treatment OF his
While the guest was bowed in reverence
the king spoke his name tverse g., a
mark OF recognition. a pledge of good
VIII. Then came three great promises,
nary heart with establishment The frat
was a promise OF kindness for the faith
er's sake Oh Tim, i:l6-IsD. so that
Mephibosheth should come into the cove
promise contained many beautiful ele-
ments-a great king and an unfortunate
young man, the love Of both for the dead,
the renewal of a pledge made years ago.
all the estate OF Saul. his grandfather
which had descended to David as king,
which he now transferred This made the
young man wealthy in day. The third
promise exceeded all bounds In its gener-
osity- David proposed that Jonathan's
son should eat bread at the royal table
Il Kings. ii:7D. becoming thereby a mem
Der of the household duke xxi 300.
n.
who humbled himself and disclaimed ali
worthiness to receive such layors
tverse s..
DlRECTIONS.-David next gave or
ders by which his promise might be car
ried into effect Calling Ziba, ne re-
hearsed what had been done, and made
that old servant of Saul the servant of
Mephibosheth. Nothing could have been
more appropriate. He. more than any
other. would be interested in faithfully
handling the estate Of one who was SO
intimately related to his old master
Liba had numerous household, fifteen
sons and twenty servants (verse 10). and
they were all appointed to supervise the
property which had thus been bestowed
those possessions were doubtless In Ben
Jamin. the home OF Saul Il Sam. KID,
and consisted of fields. the fruits OF
which were to be gathered and brought to
Jerusalem. 1t must have been a large
property that required so great a force
to care for 1t. These directions of David
removed from Mephibosheth the sense OF
charity. While he would be at David
table his provisions would come through
his servants hands from his own fields.
hESPONSE.-Ziba gave prompt an.
SWer, accepting the trust laid upon him
by David Relinquishing the position
formerly held, he and his sons entered
upon their new duties. Some OF them
would be in the presence OF their master,
some would be in the court, some In the
city. some distant in the fields-a long
pose toward Jonathan's SON There are
no expressions of fidelity on the part OF
these officials, but in the olden time men
were accustomed to do service faithfully.
and Ziba was probably no exception 1t
is evident that he conceived a strong at
tachment for David. because In after
years he showed great friendship when
the king was fleeing from Absalom UI
sam. xviii. y. as also did Machir. who
had furnished Mephibosheth a home (ch.
xvii:2O. The response of Ziba must have
greatly Increased the comfort of all par
ties. relieving them from all anxiety In
the execution of plans.
FULFILLED.-The summary state
ment contained In verse 13 of our lesson
may not attract attention. The simple as
sertfon is made that the arrangement OF
David was carried out Mephibosheth
dwell in Jerusalem and ate at the kings
table. But how long and with what re-
suit after history shows. For nearly two
decades there was nothing to mar the
relations subsisting between the two
The king did not grow weary OF his
charge, the young man did not complain
Of any unkindness. There is no record
of any unrest or intrigue, any attempt to,
place the grandson of Saul on the throne.
The rebellion OF Ahsalom cast a shadow
over the hitherto peaceful family When
David fed from Jerusalem Mephhibo-
sheth remained behind. Ziba accused
him OF traitorous intention. but he plead
ed his innocence and went out to meet
the returning king Oh Sam, xix:24-3O).
1t is impossible to determine whether
the favored son of Jonathan ended his
career the victim of SANDER or of am
biticn.
COMMENTS.-An old English au-
thor has made these sensible comments
on the passage: Those who have much
in their power should inquire after op-
portunities of doing good, for frequently
the most deserving objects of our kind
ness are concealed by modesty and res
ignation. Favors shown TO the helpless
are sometimes recompensed in q very
seasonable manner by those from whom
nothing was expected. To be trained up
in privacy and hardship, afterward to be
prospered, Is more comfortable than to
BE brought up in delicacy and pride and
then TO be reduced to poverty and dis
tress Persons OF real and eminent piety.
when they recollect their obligations. VIII
have no rest until they have discharged
them. They will be burdened with those
possessions which in equity belong to
others, and impatient to express their
gratitude for those who have befriended
them"