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2 Samuel 21:9

2 Samuel 21:9 in Multiple Translations

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.

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.

and he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the mountain before Jehovah, and they fell all seven together. And they were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, at the beginning of barley harvest.

And he gave them up to the Gibeonites, and they put them to death, hanging them on the mountain before the Lord; all seven came to their end together in the first days of the grain-cutting, at the start of the cutting of the barley.

He handed them over to the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill in the presence of the Lord. All seven of them died at the same time, executed at the beginning of the barley harvest.

And hee deliuered them vnto the handes of the Gibeonites, which hanged them in the mountaine before the Lord: so they died all seuen together, and they were slaine in the time of haruest: in the first dayes, and in the beginning of barly haruest.

and giveth them into the hand of the Gibeonites, and they hang them in the hill before Jehovah; and the seven fall together, and they have been put to death in the days of harvest, in the first [days], the commencement of barley-harvest.

He delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites; and they hanged them on the mountain before the LORD, and all seven of them fell together. They were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, at the beginning of barley harvest.

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days , in the beginning of barley harvest.

And gave them into the hands of the Gabaonites: and they crucified them on a hill before the Lord: and these seven died together in the first days of the harvest, when the barley began to be reaped.

David handed those men over to the men from Gibeon. Then they hanged those seven men on a hill where they worshiped Yahweh. They were all killed during the time of the year that the people started to harvest the barley.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 21:9

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 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יִּתְּנֵ֞/ם בְּ/יַ֣ד הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗ים וַ/יֹּקִיעֻ֤/ם בָּ/הָר֙ לִ/פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וַ/יִּפְּל֥וּ שבעתים שְׁבַעְתָּ֖/ם יָ֑חַד ו/הם וְ/הֵ֨מָּה הֻמְת֜וּ בִּ/ימֵ֤י קָצִיר֙ בָּ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים תחלת בִּ/תְחִלַּ֖ת קְצִ֥יר שְׂעֹרִֽים
וַֽ/יִּתְּנֵ֞/ם nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ/יַ֣ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗ים Gibʻônîy H1393 Gibeonite Art | Ngmpa
וַ/יֹּקִיעֻ֤/ם yâqaʻ H3363 to dislocate/hang Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
בָּ/הָר֙ har H2022 mountain Prep | N-ms
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וַ/יִּפְּל֥וּ nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שבעתים shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj
שְׁבַעְתָּ֖/ם shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj | Suff
יָ֑חַד yachad H3162 unitedness N-ms
ו/הם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron
הֻמְת֜וּ mûwth H4191 to die V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
בִּ/ימֵ֤י yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp
קָצִיר֙ qâtsîyr H7105 harvest N-ms
בָּ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים riʼshôwn H7223 first Prep | Adj
תחלת tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning N-fs
בִּ/תְחִלַּ֖ת tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning Prep | N-fs
קְצִ֥יר qâtsîyr H7105 harvest N-ms
שְׂעֹרִֽים sᵉʻôrâh H8184 barley N-fp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 21:9

וַֽ/יִּתְּנֵ֞/ם nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
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.
בְּ/יַ֣ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗ים Gibʻônîy H1393 "Gibeonite" Art | Ngmpa
A Gibeonite is a person from Gibeon, a city in the Bible. The name means 'little hill' or 'hilly' and is mentioned in the book of Joshua. Gibeonites were known for their cleverness and diplomacy.
Definition: Group of giv.on (גִּבְעוֹן "Gibeon" H1391) § Gibeonite = "little hill: hilly" an inhabitant of Gibeon
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Gibeonite. See also: 2 Samuel 21:1; 2 Samuel 21:4; Nehemiah 3:7.
וַ/יֹּקִיעֻ֤/ם yâqaʻ H3363 "to dislocate/hang" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | 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.
בָּ/הָר֙ har H2022 "mountain" Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֔ה 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/יִּפְּל֥וּ nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
שבעתים 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.
שְׁבַעְתָּ֖/ם shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj | Suff
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.
יָ֑חַד yachad H3162 "unitedness" N-ms
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
ו/הם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
הֻמְת֜וּ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hophal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בִּ/ימֵ֤י yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
קָצִיר֙ qâtsîyr H7105 "harvest" N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
בָּ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Prep | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
תחלת tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" N-fs
In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.
בִּ/תְחִלַּ֖ת tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.
קְצִ֥יר qâtsîyr H7105 "harvest" N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
שְׂעֹרִֽים sᵉʻôrâh H8184 "barley" N-fp
This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.
Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 21:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. And they arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
2 Deuteronomy 21:1–9 If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him, your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities. Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work, bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken, and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it. Accept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for. So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD.
3 2 Samuel 6:17 So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
4 1 Samuel 15:33 But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.
5 Exodus 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
6 2 Samuel 21:6 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 Numbers 35:31–34 You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.”
8 2 Samuel 6:21 But David said to Michal, “I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me over your father and all his house when He appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel. I will celebrate before the LORD,
9 2 Kings 24:3–4 Surely this happened to Judah at the LORD’s command, to remove them from His presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood he had shed. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was unwilling to forgive.

2 Samuel 21:9 Summary

[This verse shows that King David took responsibility for the sins of his predecessor, Saul, and made amends to the Gibeonites, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and making restitution for past wrongs, as seen in Leviticus 6:1-7. By delivering the seven sons to the Gibeonites, David was able to restore justice and right the wrongs of the past. The fact that they were put to death during the harvest season serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness. This event also highlights the significance of the covenant between David and Jonathan, as David spared Mephibosheth due to this covenant.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David deliver the seven sons to the Gibeonites to be hanged?

King David delivered the seven sons to the Gibeonites as a form of atonement for Saul's actions against the Gibeonites, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:1-6, to restore justice and right the wrongs of the past, similar to the concept of restitution in Numbers 35:31-34.

What is the significance of the timing of their death, 'in the first days of the harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest'?

The timing of their death during the harvest season may symbolize the idea of judgment and reckoning, as seen in Matthew 13:30, where the wheat and the weeds are separated at the time of harvest, highlighting the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness.

How does this event relate to the covenant between David and Jonathan?

The event in 2 Samuel 21:9 shows that David's covenant with Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:3 and 1 Samuel 20:16, did not extend to the sons of Saul who were put to death, but David did spare Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, due to this covenant, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:7.

What can we learn from the fact that 'all seven of them fell together'?

The fact that all seven sons were put to death together may serve as a reminder of the corporate nature of sin and its consequences, as seen in Joshua 7:1 and Joshua 7:24-25, where the actions of one person affected the entire community, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's view of sin and its consequences, and how can I apply this to my own life?
  2. How does the concept of atonement and restitution in this verse relate to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 2:17?
  3. What can I learn from the actions of King David in this verse, and how can I balance justice and mercy in my own relationships and decisions?
  4. In what ways can I identify with the sons of Saul, who suffered the consequences of their father's actions, and how can I break free from the sins of my own family or past?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 21:9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites,.... The two sons of Rizpah and the five sons of Merab, two sons of Saul and five grandsons: and they hanged them in the hill before the Lord;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 21:9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:9

He delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites. Quest. How could David do this, when he had sworn that he would not cut off Saul’ s seed, ,22? Answ. Because he had special warrant and direction from God about it, who, as all confess, can dispense with men’ s oaths and with his own laws when he sees fit. And that he did so here is manifest, because God was pleased with it, and removed the judgment upon it; whereas otherwise David had been guilty of the same sin with Saul, to wit, of the breach of his oath and covenant, for which this famine was inflicted. See Poole "". In the hill, or, in a hill, in or near Gibeah; in a conspicuous place, for their greater infamy, and for the caution and terror of others who should make any attempt upon the Gibeonites for the future. Before the Lord; as a sacrifice offered up to God to appease his wrath; or, unto the Lord, as was said, . They fell, i.e. died; for so the word to fall is oft used, as ; or were executed. The barley harvest was before the wheat harvest.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:9

2 Samuel 21:9 And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell [all] seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first [days], in the beginning of barley harvest.Ver. 9. And they hanged them in the hill.] In some high hill in Gibeah of Saul, which some make to be the same with Gibeon, and that the Gibeonites were therefore slain by Saul, that he might get their lands and goods for himself and his bloody house.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:9

(9) The beginning of barley harvest.—This was immediately after the Passover (Leviticus 23:10-11), and therefore about the middle of April. The rains of autumn began in October, so that Rizpah’s watch must have been about six months. She spread the sackcloth as a tent to form a rough shelter during the long watch. For water dropped read water poured, the word being used for melting, flowing, and hence for heavy rain. It was not until these rains began (which may probably have been somewhat earlier than usual) that the people were assured of the Divine forgiveness, and therefore the bodies of the executed were left unburied until then.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:9

Verse 9. In the beginning of barley harvest.] This happened in Judea about the vernal equinox, or the 21st of March.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 21:9

9. in the first days] Barley harvest preceded wheat harvest, and began about the middle or end of April. Cp. Exodus 9:31-32; Rth 1:22; Rth 2:23.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 21:9

In the first days - The barley harvest (about the middle or toward the end of April) was earlier than the wheat harvest Exodus 9:31; Rth 1:22.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:9

9. In the hill — See on 1 Samuel 10:5. The beginning of barley harvest — About the first of April.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 21:9

SermonDescription
John Owen Commutation as Unto Sin and Righteousness by John Owen John Owen preaches about the commutation between Christ and believers in sin and righteousness, emphasizing the imputation of sins to Christ and His righteousness to believers. Thi
J.W. McGarvey Church Government by J.W. McGarvey J.W. McGarvey preaches about the importance of Church Government, focusing on the qualifications and roles of elders within congregations. He addresses the need for elders to posse
Carter Conlon The Glorious Uncovered King of Israel by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the soldiers dividing Jesus' clothing into four parts at the foot of the cross. He emphasizes that Jesus willingly laid down his life and al
Roy Hession (The Ark of the Covenant) 5. Entering Jerusalem by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker discusses how often Christians rely on worldly methods and strategies to promote their faith and achieve success. He emphasizes that these methods are o
Leonard Ravenhill Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema
Erlo Stegen A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen In this final service of a weekend conference on the biblical family, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents repenting of their sins and seeking forgiveness from God. He
Keith Daniel Visiting the Iniquity of the Fathers by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young boy who expressed his desire to attend Bible school and become a preacher. Years later, the speaker encounters a m

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