Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 127 of The Bible in a Year podcast, reading from 2 Samuel chapter 9, 1 Chronicles chapter 12, and Psalm 28 using The Bible in the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition.

The episode explores David's kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's disabled son, and chronicles the mighty warriors who joined David's army at Hebron. Father Mike uses The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press, following the Great Adventure Bible timeline to read Scripture chronologically from Genesis to Revelation.

David's Covenant Kindness to Mephibosheth

David seeks out surviving members of Saul's house to honor his covenant with Jonathan, asking 'Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?'

Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son who was 'crippled in his feet' from a childhood accident, receives full restoration of Saul's land and permanent place at David's table 'like one of the king's sons.'

Father Mike rejects the interpretation that David kept Mephibosheth close as political manipulation, emphasizing David's genuine honor for both Saul's anointing and Jonathan's friendship.

The episode poses the personal question: 'Is there anyone around me right now that I can show kindness to for the Lord's sake?' - Father Mike

The Mighty Warriors Who Made David King

1 Chronicles 12 provides a 'bird's eye view' of David's coronation at Hebron, listing specific tribal contingents with exact numbers totaling over 300,000 warriors.

The warriors possessed exceptional skill, described as ambidextrous fighters who could 'shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand.'

Beyond physical prowess, the army included 'men who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do,' particularly from the tribe of Issachar.

The Benjaminites, Saul's own tribe, numbered 3,000 and 'had hitherto kept their allegiance to the house of Saul' - loyalty David valued and honored.

Four Qualities of David's Army

Bravery and valor characterized every warrior, with 'faces like the faces of lions' and speed 'swift as gazelles upon the mountains.'

Wisdom defined their leadership, particularly those who understood when to transfer loyalty from Saul to David at the proper time.

'Singleness of purpose' unified their mission to defend the king and fight Israel's enemies with unwavering focus.

Exceptional skill in warfare, including ambidextrous weapon handling, made them formidable against surrounding nations like the Philistines.

Community and Prayer in Bible Study

Father Mike emphasizes that The Bible in a Year community transcends 'just a bunch of people who are listening to one podcast' through mutual prayer.

'If you hear these words right now, that means that God is reminding you of how much he loves you' - Father Mike's closing encouragement.

The podcast uses The Great Adventure Bible timeline to help listeners 'discover how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story today.'