Scroll to the bottom for thoughts/discussion questions!
One-sentence summary: David subdues many kingdoms, and he shows kindness to Jonathan's son.
David attacks and defeats the Philistines and also Moab, and some of them become his servants and bring tribute. And it says that "the Lord preserved David wherever he went." He defeats other nations also, and he brings gold, silver, and bronze to Jerusalem and dedicates them to the Lord. And it says again that "the Lord preserved David wherever he went." He reigns over all Israel and administers judgment and justice to all the people, and his sons are chief ministers.
David inquires if there is anyone left of the house of Saul that he may "show them kindness for Jonathan's sake." A servant of Saul's house is called and tells him that Jonathan has a lame son; David asks where he is, and he is in a town called Lodebar. So David calls for him there. His name is Mephibosheth, and when he is brought, he bows before David. David tells him not to fear because he will surely show him kindness for Jonathan's sake and restore to him all the land of Saul and that he will eat bread at his table always. The man answers, "What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?" So he calls his servants and tells him to plow the land but that Mephibosheth will eat at his table like one of the king's sons. And Mephibosheth has a son named Micah. So he lives in Jerusalem and eats at the kings table, although he is "lame in both his feet."
The same story of David's exploits is told in both 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. It also says twice that "the Lord preserved David wherever he went."
Thoughts/discussion questions:
The story of Mephibosheth is a beautiful one where we learn that although we are crippled in areas, we can still eat at the King's table.