Read 2 Samuel 9 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
9:1-13 {p} David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son
The Strong Theme:
8:1-9:13 {s+s+p} David subdued his enemies, but showed kindness to Saul’s house [i.e., he did not consider Saul his enemy]
2 Samuel 9:1-14 Chiastic Structure:
The kindness that David showed to Saul’s house, in Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, is the Hebrew word Strong’s H2617 חסד chesed, the abstract concept of “mercy,” from the primitive verb Strong’s H2616 חסד chasad, “to show lovingkindness.” The ancient pictographs are chet + sin + dalet.
chet ח = the wall, thus outside, divide, half
sin ס = thorn, thus grab, hate, protect
dalet ד = door, thus enter, move, hang
The parable being told by the Hebrew Root Word is of the wall (chet) of protection (sin) behind which one allows others to shelter when the door (dalet) is opened.
The exact same word is found throughout the Bible when speaking of God’s love and mercy toward His people:
Know therefore that YHVH your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy with them who love Him, and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations. Deu 7:9
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of YHVH forever. Psa 23:6
How excellent is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. Psa 36:7
“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed,” says YHVH, who has mercy on you. Isa 54:10
David knew and experienced God’s lovingkindness himself, and therefore he could extend the same to others.
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