As violence escalates, the dependence of the saints upon the Lord for safety becomes increasingly apparent. David serves as a wonderful demonstration of this truth. Seemingly, he constantly found himself threatened by violent men. Shortly after the Lord’s deliverance from the hands of Saul, David wrote a song in which he praised the Lord for saving him from violence (2 Samuel 22:3). Not only was safety from violence the subject of David’s songs, but it was also the theme of his prayers (Psalm 140:1-4). David understood the inevitable presence of violence but also understood that his safety was of the Lord.
The Bible records Jonathan and David's strikingly close friendship like that of siblings. Regardless of this cherished relationship, Jonathan's father, king Saul, feared and despised David. Both king Saul and his son died during battle, thus paving the way for David to ascend to the throne of Israel. Once David became king, he sought for an opportunity to show kindness to any of Jonathan’s remaining family members. After searching through the land, it was discovered that Saul and Jonathan had one remaining descendent (Mephibosheth). David sent for Mephibosheth and told him his intentions of showing him the kindness normally reserved for a member of the king's family. This act of kindness included the restoration of his family’s property. David’s kindness also made provision for Mephibosheth to eat at the king’s table (2 Samuel 9:7), “as one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:11). David’s kindness meant that Mephibosheth would be viewed and treated as a son. This demonstration of kindness illustrates God's act of kindness toward His beloved children through Christ Jesus.
