2 Samuel 21
BSB1 During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites." 2 At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) 3 So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?" 4 The Gibeonites said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied. 5 And they answered the king, “As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel, 6 let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” “I will give them to you,” said the king. 7 Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. 8 But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, as well as the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. 9 And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD. So all seven of them fell together; they were put to death in the first days of the harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest. 10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain from heaven poured down on the bodies, she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. 11 When David was told what Saul’s concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, had done, 12 he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. 13 So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged. 14 And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. 15 Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted. 16 Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. 17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished." 18 Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha. 19 Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 20 And there was still another battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, 21 and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him. 22 So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 21
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Samuel 21
- Themes from 2 Samuel 21
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 21
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a description of a famine in Israel that lasted for three years, and how David inquired of the Lord to know the reason for the famine. The Lord told David that the famine was because of Saul's bloodguiltiness in killing the Gibeonites, and that He would not be appeased until justice was done. David then called for the Gibeonites and asked them what they required to make amends, and they requested seven of Saul's sons to be hung. The chapter then describes how David gave them the seven sons, and how the Gibeonites hung them. After the execution, the Lord ended the famine in Israel. The chapter also describes how David and his men went to the land of the Philistines and recovered the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan, and how they buried them in the land of Benjamin. The chapter ends with a description of David's warfare against the Philistines, and how he killed Goliath's brother.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 2 Samuel, which describes the reign of King David. The chapter is situated in the latter part of David's reign, after he has established himself as king and has begun to deal with the consequences of Saul's actions. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of keeping covenant promises and the consequences of breaking them. The chapter connects to other parts of the Bible, such as the book of Joshua, where the Gibeonites are first introduced, and the book of Hebrews, where Jesus is described as the mediator of a new covenant.
Heart Application
This chapter has several practical applications for the reader. Firstly, it highlights the importance of keeping covenant promises and the consequences of breaking them. This is a reminder to the reader to be faithful to their commitments and to take seriously their responsibilities to others. Secondly, the chapter emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others, as David did when he made amends with the Gibeonites. This is a reminder to the reader to be merciful and compassionate towards others, even in difficult circumstances.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about how God required justice to be done in the case of the Gibeonites, who were killed by Saul. David made amends with the Gibeonites by giving them seven of Saul's sons to be hung. The chapter highlights the importance of keeping covenant promises and the consequences of breaking them. It also emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others, as David did when he made amends with the Gibeonites. (2 Samuel 21:1-6)
Voices from the Church
“The justice of God is a terrible thing, and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But the mercy of God is a wonderful thing, and it is a blessed thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The covenant which God made with the Gibeonites was a solemn and sacred thing, and it was binding on the Israelites to keep it. The fact that Saul broke this covenant and killed the Gibeonites is a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking God's commands.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Famine in Israel (21:1-6) — The chapter begins with a description of a famine in Israel that lasted for three years, and how David inquired of the Lord to know the reason for the famine. The Lord told David that the famine was because of Saul's bloodguiltiness in killing the Gibeonites, and that He would not be appeased until justice was done.
- David's Inquiry and the Gibeonites' Request (21:7-9) — David then called for the Gibeonites and asked them what they required to make amends, and they requested seven of Saul's sons to be hung.
- The Execution of Saul's Sons (21:10-14) — The chapter then describes how David gave the Gibeonites the seven sons, and how they hung them. After the execution, the Lord ended the famine in Israel.
- The Recovery of Saul's Bones (21:15-22:7) — The chapter also describes how David and his men went to the land of the Philistines and recovered the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan, and how they buried them in the land of Benjamin.
- David's Warfare against the Philistines (21:15-22) — The chapter ends with a description of David's warfare against the Philistines, and how he killed Goliath's brother.
Core Doctrines
- The Justice of God
- This chapter teaches that God is a just God who requires justice to be done in all situations. The execution of Saul's sons is a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking God's commands.
- The Mercy of God
- The chapter also teaches that God is a merciful God who shows mercy to those who repent and turn to Him. David's actions in making amends with the Gibeonites demonstrate the mercy of God.
- The Importance of Keeping Covenant Promises
- The chapter highlights the importance of keeping covenant promises and the consequences of breaking them. This is seen in the case of the Gibeonites, who were spared by Joshua but later killed by Saul.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter also teaches that God is a sovereign God who is in control of all things. The famine in Israel and the execution of Saul's sons are both examples of God's sovereignty.
Lessons from 2 Samuel 21
- The Importance of Keeping Covenant Promises — This chapter teaches that keeping covenant promises is crucial, and that breaking them can have severe consequences. This is a lesson that can be applied to our own lives, as we consider the importance of being faithful to our commitments and responsibilities.
- The Justice and Mercy of God — The chapter highlights the justice and mercy of God, and how these two attributes are balanced in His character. This is a lesson that can be applied to our own understanding of God, as we seek to understand His nature and character.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is a sovereign God who is in control of all things. This is a lesson that can be applied to our own lives, as we seek to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
- The Importance of Repentance and Restoration — The chapter highlights the importance of repentance and restoration, as seen in David's actions in making amends with the Gibeonites. This is a lesson that can be applied to our own lives, as we seek to repent of our sins and restore our relationships with others.
- The Significance of the Recovery of Saul's Bones — The chapter describes the recovery of Saul's bones, and how this relates to the rest of the Bible. This is a lesson that can be applied to our own understanding of the Bible, as we seek to understand the significance of this event and its connection to the larger narrative.
Themes from 2 Samuel 21
- The Justice of God — The chapter highlights the justice of God, and how He requires justice to be done in all situations. This theme is seen in the execution of Saul's sons, and is a reminder of the consequences of breaking God's commands.
- The Mercy of God — The chapter also highlights the mercy of God, and how He shows mercy to those who repent and turn to Him. This theme is seen in David's actions in making amends with the Gibeonites, and is a reminder of God's compassion and forgiveness.
- The Importance of Keeping Covenant Promises — The chapter teaches that keeping covenant promises is crucial, and that breaking them can have severe consequences. This theme is seen in the case of the Gibeonites, who were spared by Joshua but later killed by Saul.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is a sovereign God who is in control of all things. This theme is seen in the famine in Israel and the execution of Saul's sons, and is a reminder of God's power and authority.
- The Significance of the Recovery of Saul's Bones — The chapter describes the recovery of Saul's bones, and how this relates to the rest of the Bible. This theme is a reminder of the significance of this event, and its connection to the larger narrative of the Bible.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of this chapter, and how does it relate to the rest of the book of 2 Samuel?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of keeping covenant promises, and what are the consequences of breaking them?
- What does the chapter teach about the justice and mercy of God, and how does this relate to the gospel?
- How does the chapter describe David's character, and what can we learn from his example?
- What is the significance of the recovery of Saul's bones, and how does this relate to the rest of the Bible?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Famine in Israel (21:1-6)
| 21:1 | The chapter begins with a description of a famine in Israel that lasted for three years, and how David inquired of the Lord to know the reason for the famine. |
| 21:2 | The Lord told David that the famine was because of Saul's bloodguiltiness in killing the Gibeonites, and that He would not be appeased until justice was done. |
| 21:3 | David then called for the Gibeonites and asked them what they required to make amends, and they requested seven of Saul's sons to be hung. |
| 21:4 | The Gibeonites told David that they did not want silver or gold from Saul's house, but only the seven sons to be hung. |
| 21:5 | David gave the Gibeonites the seven sons, and they hung them in the mountain before the Lord. |
| 21:6 | After the execution, the Lord ended the famine in Israel. |
2. The Recovery of Saul's Bones (21:10-14)
| 21:10 | The chapter then describes how David and his men went to the land of the Philistines and recovered the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan. |
| 21:11 | The bones were recovered from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had taken them from the street of Beth-shan. |
| 21:12 | David and his men brought the bones back to the land of Benjamin, and buried them in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father. |
| 21:13 | After the bones were buried, God was moved by prayer for the land, and the famine in Israel ended. |
| 21:14 | The Lord answered David's prayer, and the famine in Israel was ended. |
3. David's Warfare against the Philistines (21:15-22)
| 21:15 | The chapter ends with a description of David's warfare against the Philistines, and how he killed Goliath's brother. |
| 21:16 | There was war again with the Philistines, and David became weary. |
| 21:17 | Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped David, and struck down the Philistine. |
| 21:18 | There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giants. |
| 21:19 | There was war with the Philistines again at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. |
| 21:20 | There was war with the Philistines again at Gath, and there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was born to the giant. |
| 21:21 | When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, struck him down. |
| 21:22 | These four were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the famine in Israel?
The reason for the famine in Israel was because of Saul's bloodguiltiness in killing the Gibeonites, and God would not be appeased until justice was done (2 Samuel 21:1-6).
Who were the Gibeonites and why were they important?
The Gibeonites were a group of people who were spared by Joshua when the Israelites entered the land, but were later killed by Saul. They were important because they were a reminder of the covenant promises that God had made with the Israelites, and the consequences of breaking those promises (Joshua 9:1-27).
What was the significance of the recovery of Saul's bones?
The recovery of Saul's bones was significant because it was a reminder of the covenant promises that God had made with the Israelites, and the importance of keeping those promises. It also marked the end of the famine in Israel, and was a sign of God's mercy and forgiveness (2 Samuel 21:10-14).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 21:1 → Deuteronomy 21:1-9 | The concept of bloodguiltiness is also found in Deuteronomy 21:1-9, where it is described as a defilement of the land that requires atonement. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 21:2 → Joshua 9:1-27 | The Gibeonites were first introduced in Joshua 9:1-27, where they are described as a group of people who were spared by Joshua when the Israelites entered the land. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 21:6 → Genesis 9:5-6 | The concept of bloodguiltiness is also found in Genesis 9:5-6, where it is described as a reason for God's judgment on humanity. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 21:10 → 1 Samuel 31:10-13 | The recovery of Saul's bones is also described in 1 Samuel 31:10-13, where it is noted that the men of Jabesh-gilead took the bones from the street of Beth-shan. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 21:14 → Acts 13:22-23 | The concept of God's mercy and forgiveness is also found in Acts 13:22-23, where it is described as a characteristic of God's nature. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 21:15 → 1 Samuel 17:1-58 | David's warfare against the Philistines is also described in 1 Samuel 17:1-58, where it is noted that David killed Goliath, a giant of the Philistines. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 21:19 → 1 Chronicles 20:5 | The killing of Goliath's brother is also described in 1 Chronicles 20:5, where it is noted that Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, struck him down. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 21:22 → 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 | The concept of the giants in Gath is also found in 1 Chronicles 20:4-8, where it is described as a group of people who were born to the giant in Gath, and were killed by David and his servants. |
Sermons on 2 Samuel 21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Famine by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of revival and how it is seen throughout the Bible. He uses the story of David as an example of a time when God revived his peopl |
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Rizpah — Communion by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Risba, the daughter of Aya, who spread sackcloth on a rock and protected the bones of Saul's sons from birds and beasts until r |
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(2 Samuel) Settling an Old Debt by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of keeping promises and being people of our word. They highlight how the entertainment industry often operates on dishonesty, b |
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David as He Avenges the Gibionites by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and the famine that occurred during his reign. David seeks the face of Jehovah and discovers that the famine is a re |
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The Lord Is My Light by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and reflections on the preaching of the word of God. They mention a specific verse that came to mind and their desire to share |
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Those Ghastly Corpses Might Well Have Affrighted Rizpah! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound love and sacrifice of Rizpah, who vigilantly protected the bodies of her slain sons, drawing a parallel to the love and suffering of Christ. |
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Because He Slew the Gibeonites. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer discusses the grave sin of Saul in slaying the Gibeonites, who were under a sacred covenant with Israel, emphasizing that the violation of such an oath demanded atonemen |
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David's Mighty Men (2 Samuel 21:18-22) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's mighty men in their corporate battle against the remnants of Goliath's lineage, illustrating the transition from individual |
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Rizpah - Communion (Show Forth the Atonement, and Heaven Must Send the blessing.) by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the story of Rizpah as a powerful illustration of atonement and the necessity of communion with God. He draws parallels between Rizpah's mourning for h |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Samuel 21
In this chapter, we see the justice and mercy of God on display. The famine in Israel is a result of Saul's bloodguiltiness in killing the Gibeonites, and God will not be appeased until justice is done. David's actions in making amends with the Gibeonites demonstrate the mercy of God, and the recovery of Saul's bones is a reminder of the covenant promises that God had made with the Israelites. The chapter also describes David's warfare against the Philistines, and how he killed Goliath's brother. This is a reminder of God's power and authority, and the importance of trusting in Him. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth, and his people are known by their obedience to his commands.' (2 Samuel 21:1-6, 10-14) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Keeping Covenant Promises
The chapter highlights the importance of keeping covenant promises and the consequences of breaking them. This is seen in the case of the Gibeonites, who were spared by Joshua but later killed by Saul. David's actions in making amends with the Gibeonites demonstrate the importance of keeping covenant promises.
The Severity of God's Justice
The chapter also highlights the severity of God's justice, as He requires His people to act justly and show mercy to others. The execution of Saul's sons is a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking God's commands.
The Mercy of God
Despite the severity of God's justice, the chapter also emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others. David's actions in making amends with the Gibeonites and sparing their lives demonstrate the mercy of God.