Chapter 9

The story of Mephibosheth.  David searches for a survivor of Saul, and Jonathan's son Mephibosheth is located.  Seems to me that Mephibosheth, as a grandson of the former King, would have a claim to the throne.  Yet David not only lets him live, but restores all of Saul's lands to him, and has him eat in his house.  Keep your enemies closer?  Possibly, but I think it has more to do with the oaths of David and Jonathan to each other.  We will see later that M is not as beholden to David for this as he probably should have been.  Further, Mephibosheth had a son also, named Mica.  Another who could claim the throne.  MSB note says the descendants of Mica are given in 1 Ch 8:35-38; 9:41-44.  I still wonder if M was disqualified as king because of his lameness, and why these others never tried to usurp the kingdom. 

Also, the MSB note at the beginning of this chapter says that the next "chapters" will show that like Saul, David was a failed king, albeit a repentant failed king.  It says that had it not been for the covenant God had already made with David, David too would likely have been removed from the Kingship along with all his heirs.  These "chapters" run all the way to 20:26, and will show the troubles of David's kingship, all of which he brings upon himself.