In the Old Testament, which illness did Mephibosheth suffer from?
The Hebrew word used to describe Mephibosheth's condition is "פָּסַח" (pasaḥ), which can be translated as "lame" or "crippled." This word is also used in other parts of the Old Testament to describe people with physical disabilities.
Mephibosheth is a character in the Old Testament who is mentioned in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. He was the son of Jonathan, the grandson of King Saul, and a close friend of David.
However, Mephibosheth is also known for his physical disability. In this blog post, we will explore the question of which illness Mephibosheth suffered from in the Old Testament.
The Story of Mephibosheth
The story of Mephibosheth is told in 2 Samuel 4-9 and in 1 Chronicles 8:34-40 and 9:40-44. According to the text, Mephibosheth was only five years old when his father Jonathan was killed in battle along with his grandfather King Saul. Mephibosheth's nurse fled with him in her arms to protect him, but in the process, he was injured and became lame in both feet.
Years later, when David became king of Israel, he remembered his friendship with Jonathan and asked if there was anyone left from Saul's family to whom he could show kindness. Mephibosheth was brought before David, and despite his physical disability, David showed him kindness and restored to him all the land that had belonged to his grandfather Saul.
Mephibosheth's Disability
The text in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles does not provide a specific diagnosis for Mephibosheth's disability. However, it is clear that he had a physical ailment that affected both of his feet. The Hebrew word used to describe Mephibosheth's condition is "פָּסַח" (pasaḥ), which can be translated as "lame" or "crippled." This word is also used in other parts of the Old Testament to describe people with physical disabilities.
Possible Diagnoses
While the text does not provide a specific diagnosis for Mephibosheth's disability, scholars have suggested a number of possible conditions based on the available evidence. Some of the most commonly suggested diagnoses include:
- Poliomyelitis: This is a viral infection that can cause paralysis, especially in the legs. Polio was a common disease in ancient times, and it is possible that Mephibosheth contracted the virus and suffered from its effects.
- Cerebral Palsy: This is a neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness and spasticity. It is possible that Mephibosheth suffered from cerebral palsy, which could have affected his ability to walk.
- Inherited condition: Some scholars have suggested that Mephibosheth's condition may have been an inherited genetic disorder, possibly related to the fact that his grandfather King Saul was described as a tall man.
Conclusion
While we may never know for certain what illness Mephibosheth had, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those who are differently-abled. David's actions towards Mephibosheth demonstrate that physical disability is not a barrier to receiving God's love and grace.