2 Samuel 21:6
2 Samuel 21:6 in Multiple Translations
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.
Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them.
let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto Jehovah in Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of Jehovah. And the king said, I will give them.
Let seven men of his family be given up to us and we will put an end to them by hanging them before the Lord in Gibeon, on the hill of the Lord. And the king said, I will give them.
have seven of Saul's male descendants be handed over to us, and we will hang them in the presence of the Lord at Gibeon of Saul, the Lord's chosen one.” “I will hand them over to you,” said the king.
Let seuen men of his sonnes be deliuered vnto vs, and we will hang them vp vnto the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, the Lordes chosen. And the King said, I will giue them.
let there be given to us seven men of his sons, and we have hanged them before Jehovah, in the height of Saul, the chosen of Jehovah.' And the king saith, 'I do give;'
let seven men of his sons be delivered to us, and we will hang them up to the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” The king said, “I will give them.”
Let seven men of his sons be delivered to us, and we will hang them up to the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD chose. And the king said, I will give them .
Let seven men of his children be delivered unto us, that we may crucify them to the Lord in Gabaa of Saul, once the chosen of the Lord. And the king said: I will give them.
Hand over to us seven of Saul’s descendants. We will hang them where Yahweh is worshiped in Gibeon, our town, the town where Saul, whom Yahweh previously chose to be king, lived.” The king replied, “Okay, I will hand them over to you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 21:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 21:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ינתן
יֻתַּן
לָ֜/נוּ
שִׁבְעָ֤ה
אֲנָשִׁים֙
מִ/בָּנָ֔י/ו
וְ/הוֹקַֽעֲנוּ/ם֙
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
בְּ/גִבְעַ֥ת
שָׁא֖וּל
בְּחִ֣יר
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
אֲנִ֥י
אֶתֵּֽן
ינתן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
יֻתַּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Q-Juss-3ms
לָ֜/נוּ
Prep | Suff
שִׁבְעָ֤ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
מִ/בָּנָ֔י/ו
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/הוֹקַֽעֲנוּ/ם֙
yâqaʻ
H3363
to dislocate/hang
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp | Suff
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/גִבְעַ֥ת
Gibʻâh
H1390
Gibeah
Prep | N-proper
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בְּחִ֣יר
bâchîyr
H972
chosen
Adj
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אֶתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 21:6
ינתן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יֻתַּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Q-Juss-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ֜/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
שִׁבְעָ֤ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ/בָּנָ֔י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/הוֹקַֽעֲנוּ/ם֙
yâqaʻ
H3363
"to dislocate/hang"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be dislocated or torn away, and can also mean to hang or be executed. It is used to describe physical and emotional separation. It appears in the KJV as 'be alienated' or 'hang up'.
Definition: 1) to be dislocated, be alienated 1a) (Qal) to be dislocated, be torn away, be alienated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to execute slowly (by exposure or impalation) 1b2) to hang 1c) (Hophal) to be executed
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be alienated, depart, hang (up), be out of joint. See also: Genesis 32:26; 2 Samuel 21:13; Jeremiah 6:8.
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/גִבְעַ֥ת
Gibʻâh
H1390
"Gibeah"
Prep | N-proper
Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.
Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
בְּחִ֣יר
bâchîyr
H972
"chosen"
Adj
The word means chosen or select, often referring to someone or something preferred by God. It appears in passages like Isaiah 43:20, where God chooses Israel as his special people.
Definition: chosen, choice one, chosen one, elect (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: choose, chosen one, elect. See also: 2 Samuel 21:6; Psalms 106:23; Psalms 89:4.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֶתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 21:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 21:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:6
Context — David Avenges the Gibeonites
4The 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.
5And 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,
6let 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.
7Now 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. 8But 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 10:24 | Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” |
| 2 | Numbers 25:4–5 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that His fierce anger may turn away from Israel.” So Moses told the judges of Israel, “Each of you must kill all of his men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 11:4 | When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 10:26 | Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 21:22 | If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, |
| 6 | Joshua 10:26 | After this, Joshua struck down and killed the kings, and he hung their bodies on five trees and left them there until evening. |
| 7 | Esther 9:10 | They killed these ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. |
| 8 | Joshua 8:29 | He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua commanded that they take down the body from the tree and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And over it they raised a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. |
| 9 | Esther 9:13–14 | Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman. |
| 10 | Acts 13:21 | Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them forty years under Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin. |
2 Samuel 21:6 Summary
This verse shows that the Gibeonites wanted seven of Saul's male descendants to be punished for the wrongs Saul had committed against them, and King David agreed to their request. The Gibeonites believed that this punishment would be a way to make things right with God, similar to the concept found in Leviticus 26:40-42, where restitution is made to restore balance. King David's decision to give the Gibeonites what they requested demonstrates his commitment to justice and his desire to honor his oath before the LORD, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:7. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences, and it's essential to take responsibility for our mistakes, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8 and James 1:14-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Gibeonites request seven male descendants of Saul to be delivered to them?
The Gibeonites requested seven male descendants of Saul to be delivered to them because they believed that this would be a form of atonement for the wrongs that Saul had committed against them, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:1-6, and in line with the principles of justice and restitution found in Exodus 21:23-25 and Leviticus 24:20-22.
What does it mean to 'hang them before the LORD' in this context?
To 'hang them before the LORD' means to execute them as a form of sacrifice or atonement, acknowledging God's sovereignty and justice, similar to the concept found in Numbers 25:4, where those who committed a grave offense were hung before the LORD as a form of atonement.
Why did King David agree to the Gibeonites' request?
King David agreed to the Gibeonites' request because he was willing to make amends for the wrongs committed by Saul and to appease the Gibeonites, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:6, demonstrating his commitment to justice and his desire to honor his oath before the LORD, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 24:21-22 and 2 Samuel 21:7.
Is this passage suggesting that God requires human sacrifice?
No, this passage is not suggesting that God requires human sacrifice, but rather it highlights the understanding of the Gibeonites and King David, who were seeking to make amends for past wrongs, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:1-9 and Ezekiel 18:20, which emphasize the importance of justice and personal responsibility.
Reflection Questions
- What does this passage reveal about the importance of acknowledging and making amends for past wrongs, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
- How does King David's decision to give the Gibeonites what they requested demonstrate his character, and what can we learn from his example?
- What role does justice play in this passage, and how does it relate to God's character, as seen in Psalm 89:14 and Isaiah 30:18?
- In what ways can we, like King David, seek to honor our commitments and oaths before the LORD, as mentioned in Psalm 15:4 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5?
- How does this passage highlight the complexities of leadership and the difficult decisions that leaders must make, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:6
Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us,.... They settled upon this number, either because they were seven, and no more of the Gibeonites, whom Saul slew, as the Jew say (i); two hewers of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:6
Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
Unto the Lord; to vindicate his honour, which was injured by Saul’ s violation of the oath and covenant of God, and to appease his wrath. In Gibeah of Saul; Saul’ s country, 11:4, for their greater shame. Whom the Lord did choose; this is added to aggravate Saul’ s offence, that it was committed not only against them, but also against the Lord, who had chosen and advanced him, and therefore did little deserve this from Saul’ s hand, to have his laws broken, and his name dishonoured by perjury. I will give them; having doubtless consulted God in the matter, who as he had before declared Saul’ s bloody house to be the causes of this judgment, so now commanded that justice should be done upon it, and that the remaining branches of it should be cut off; as sufficiently appears from hence, that God was satisfied and well pleased with the action; which he would not have been, if David had done it without his command; for then it had been a sinful action of David’ s, and contrary to a double law of God, 24:16, which none but God himself could dispense with.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
2 Samuel 21:6 Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, [whom] the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give [them].Ver. 6. Let seven men of his sons.] Saul and some of his sons perished in that last battle of his against the Philistines, for the massacre of God’ s priests: and now more of them for his cruel dealing with these Gibeonites. Murder is a crying sin; and albeit mortal judges may not punish the children for the father’ s offence, - although the Japanese do so, they say; and it was the cruellest manner of Uladus Prince of Wallachia, together with the offender, to execute the whole family, yea, sometimes the whole kindred, - yet God may justly punish the father in the children, though innocent in that particular, because all are sinners before him: children also are part of their parents’ goods, &c. women from Tekoah confessed that they were all worthy to die. and Mephibosheth stated. Whom the Lord did choose.] And therefore his sin was the greater. As he perished "as though he had not been anointed with oil," so he sinned as if he had not been elected of God for king of Israel. Junius referreth it to David, and readeth it, "O thou who art the chosen one of the Lord": but the former interpretation seemeth to be the better. Turk. Hist., 363.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
(6) Let seven men of his sons.—The head of the house and his household were closely identified in all the ideas of antiquity. Saul being dead, his male descendants were considered as standing in his place, representing him, and responsible for his acts, just as is largely the case in legal affairs and matters of property at the present day. The number seven is, doubtless, fixed upon as being first, a considerable and sufficient number; and then, on account of its sacred associations, and as the representative of completeness. We will hang them up.—The sons of Saul are only to be given up by David; their actual execution is to be by the Gibeonites, and the method is that of hanging or fastening to a stake, either by impaling or by crucifixion, the word being used for both methods of execution. Unto the Lord—i.e., publicly. (Comp. a similar expression in Numbers 25:4.) The sin had been outrageous; its punishment must be conspicuous. The place of execution is fitly chosen in the home of Saul. It seems strange that he should be here spoken of as “the Lord’s chosen;” but this and the expression “unto the Lord” go together; what Saul had done he had done as the head of the theocracy, as God’s chosen ruler, and now his family must be punished in the presence of Him against whom he had offended—“before the Lord.” The idea of regarding the execution of these men as a propitiatory human sacrifice is utterly destitute of any shadow of support.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
Verse 6. Seven men of his sons] Meaning sons, grandsons, or other near branches of his family. It is supposed that the persons chosen were principal in assisting Saul to exterminate the Gibeonites. But where is the proof of this?
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:6
6. seven men] A sacred number, for their execution was to be a solemn religious act of expiation. we will hang them up] They were to be impaled or crucified, as a public exhibition of the punishment inflicted. In all probability they were put to death first. The practice corresponds to that of hanging a criminal’s body in chains on the scene of his crime, which was once common in England. unto the Lord] For the punishment was demanded by divine justice. Cp. Numbers 25:4. in Gibeah] The home of Saul was to be the scene of the punishment. whom the Lord did choose] The exact title, the chosen of Jehovah, is nowhere else given to Saul, but is implied by 1 Samuel 10:24. That it should be thus used by his enemies is strange. Was it from a feeling that the fact of his divine election aggravated his guilt?
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 21:6
Seven men - Seven was a sacred number not only with the Hebrews but with other Oriental nations Numbers 23:1, Numbers 23:29, and is therefore brought in on this occasion when the judicial death of
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:6
6. Seven men — A sacred number, not only among the Israelites, but among other Oriental nations. Hang them up — Impale or crucify them.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:6
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Wrath of God by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the present course of the world as a downward spiral towards hell. He emphasizes that people become increasingly blind and deceived as they c |
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God’s Special Forces by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is assembling a spiritual elite unit, akin to the U.S. Army's Special Forces, made up of dedicated volunteers who have been called and touched b |
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I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Crucifixion by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher starts by expressing his love for singing and mentions that they will be focusing on the first and fourth verses of a particular song. The song talks a |
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Evangelism Conference - Part 2 by Henry Blackaby | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the songs we sing in worship. He shares his experience of being moved to tears by the hymns that describe the mighty deeds |
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(Trees in the Christian Experience) 3. the Man on the Tree by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of revival in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that revival is not just about conviction and repentance, but also about rejo |
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Often Reproved by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a series of events that occurred over three days. He mentions that there was a great fear that came upon the community and that the spirit |