And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? (2Sam. 9:7-9).
In a recent Bible study from Lev. 11:27, we read that a dog was considered an unclean animal, forbidden to eat under the law. But not only unclean to eat, but also a dead dog could not be touched without the person being unclean. I believe this is what Mephibosheth was declaring unto King David. I am unclean, like a dead dog, not worthy of the least favor. Isn’t this the same thing the Publican cried in Luke 18:13, “God be merciful to me the sinner.” Here is the good news of the gospel, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” David had mercy on Mephibosheth because of the covenant with Jonathan. Even so, God has mercy on sinners because of the covenant of grace in Christ Jesus (Heb. 7:22; 13:20). Read also, Matt. 15:21-28.