at the king’s table, Mephibosheth is astounded (2 Sam. 9:7–11). Haman is thrilled at feeling like an insider when Esther invites him to a feast (Esth. 5:12). 2 Kings ends with Jehoiachin receiving the privileged opportunity to dine at the table of Evil-merodach, the king of Babylon, a sign of favour (25:27–29). Since joining in a meal, especially a banquet at the king’s table, was a sign of relational and social standing, the prospect of attending a feast conveys far more than the chance to ingest
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