And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

2 SAMUEL 19:25KJV
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2 Samuel 19:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 19:25 mean?

2 Samuel 19:25 describes the moment when Mephibosheth comes to meet King David in Jerusalem, and David asks him why he did not go with him when David fled the city. The verse shows David directly questioning Mephibosheth’s loyalty and actions during a critical time.

King David is speaking to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, after returning to Jerusalem following Absalom’s rebellion. David wants to know why Mephibosheth did not accompany him when he was forced to leave Jerusalem. This question sets up the explanation Mephibosheth will give in the following verses, which is important for understanding their relationship and the political tensions after David’s return.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 19:25

  • "come" (בּוֹא, bo) means to arrive or enter. Here, it highlights Mephibosheth’s action of coming to meet David, showing initiative after a period of absence.
  • "meet" (קָרָא, qara) often means to encounter or come before someone, usually with intention. In this context, it stresses that Mephibosheth is not just arriving but specifically seeking an audience with the king.
  • "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) is used twice, emphasizing David’s authority and the formal nature of the meeting.
  • "wentest" (הָלַךְ, halakh) means to go or walk. David’s question uses this word to focus on Mephibosheth’s decision not to accompany him, which is at the heart of the tension.

Why 2 Samuel 19:25 matters

  • This verse highlights the uncertainty and suspicion David feels toward those who did not support him during Absalom’s rebellion, especially someone as close as Mephibosheth.
  • The question sets up the explanation and defense Mephibosheth will give, which is crucial for understanding the restoration of relationships and trust as David returns to power.
  • It connects to the broader story of loyalty, betrayal, and the challenges David faces in reestablishing his rule after a civil conflict.

Where else these words appear

“Mephibosheth” Hebrew H4648 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
  • 2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
  • 2 Samuel 19:24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

“meet” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 6:35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
  • 1 Kings 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.