2 Samuel 21

This chapter deals with both a famine in Israel and the consequences of Saul’s actions against the Gibeonites. The chapter also includes stories of retribution, reconciliation, and the defeat of more Philistine giants. It reveals God's justice, the importance of keeping oaths, and the continuous struggle against Israel’s enemies.

2 Samuel 21:1 (NKJV)
1 Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, “It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.”

This verse introduces a three-year famine during David's reign. David seeks God to understand why the famine continues. God reveals that it is because of Saul’s unjust treatment of the Gibeonites, a group the Israelites had sworn to protect. This demonstrates the importance of keeping oaths and the consequences of breaking them, even when the violator has passed away.

2 Samuel 21:2 (NKJV)
2 So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; the children of Israel had sworn protection to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah.

David brings the Gibeonites to discuss the situation. The Gibeonites were a remnant of the Amorites and had made a covenant of protection with Israel during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9). Saul, in his misguided zeal, had broken that covenant by attempting to exterminate them. This breach of trust is now affecting the nation of Israel through the famine.

2 Samuel 21:3 (NKJV)
3 Therefore David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord?”

David asks the Gibeonites how he can make amends for Saul’s actions. He recognizes that the nation is suffering under God’s judgment and that the Gibeonites' blessing is needed for Israel to be restored. David is seeking a way to right the wrongs committed against them, demonstrating his concern for justice and reconciliation.

2 Samuel 21:4 (NKJV)
4 And the Gibeonites said to him, “We will have no silver or gold from Saul or from his house, nor shall you kill any man in Israel for us.” So he said, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”

The Gibeonites clarify that they do not seek monetary compensation or the death of random Israelites. Their focus is on justice, not vengeance or material gain. David gives them the authority to decide the appropriate reparation, showing his willingness to honor their request.

2 Samuel 21:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Then they answered the king, “As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us, that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the territories of Israel,
6 let seven men of his descendants be delivered to us, and we will hang them before the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, whom the Lord chose.” And the king said, “I will give them.”

The Gibeonites request seven of Saul’s descendants to be handed over for execution as a form of justice. They want the punishment to take place in Saul’s hometown, Gibeah. This is symbolic of making amends for Saul’s actions in a public and solemn way. David agrees, recognizing that this act is necessary to lift the curse from Israel.

2 Samuel 21:7 (NKJV)
7 But the king spared Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the Lord’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

David spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, due to the covenant of friendship and protection he had with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17). David's action shows his integrity in keeping his personal vows, even in the midst of this difficult situation, highlighting the value of loyalty and promises.

2 Samuel 21:8 (NKJV)
8 So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite.

David selects seven of Saul’s descendants, including two sons of Rizpah, Saul’s concubine, and five sons of Michal, Saul’s daughter. These seven are chosen to fulfill the Gibeonites’ request. David is careful not to violate his covenant with Jonathan, but he still must meet the requirements of justice.

2 Samuel 21:9 (NKJV)
9 And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the Lord. So 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.

The seven men are executed by the Gibeonites at the beginning of the barley harvest, marking a significant time of year for agricultural renewal. The public nature of their deaths before the Lord shows that this was not merely revenge but an act of justice to atone for Saul’s bloodshed, allowing Israel to be restored.

2 Samuel 21:10 (NKJV)
10 Now Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until the late rains poured on them from heaven. And she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day nor the beasts of the field by night.

Rizpah, the mother of two of the executed men, shows incredible devotion by guarding their bodies for months, preventing animals from devouring them. Her act of mourning and loyalty underscores the grief caused by the deaths, while also drawing attention to the need for proper burial rites.

2 Samuel 21:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.
12 Then David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them up, after the Philistines had struck down Saul in Gilboa.

When David hears of Rizpah’s mourning, he is moved to act. He retrieves the bones of Saul and Jonathan from Jabesh Gilead, where they had been taken after the Philistines had displayed their bodies. David’s action reflects a deep respect for the dead and a desire to bring closure to the house of Saul.

2 Samuel 21:13-14 (NKJV)
13 So he brought up the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from there; and they gathered the bones of those who had been hanged.
14 They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father. So they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God heeded the prayer for the land.

David ensures that Saul and Jonathan, along with the seven executed men, receive proper burials in Saul’s family tomb. This act of burial brings closure to the situation, and after this, God hears Israel’s prayers, lifting the famine from the land. Proper atonement and respect for the dead are key themes here.

2 Samuel 21:15-17 (NKJV)
15 When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint.
16 Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David.
17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”

In another conflict with the Philistines, David becomes weary in battle and is nearly killed by Ishbi-Benob, a giant. Abishai, David’s nephew, rescues him. Following this close call, David’s men insist that he no longer risk his life in battle, recognizing his importance as the leader and symbol of Israel’s strength.

2 Samuel 21:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Now it happened afterward that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the sons of the giant.
19 Again there was war at Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

These verses recount additional battles with the Philistines, where Israel’s warriors defeated giants descended from the same line as Goliath. Sibbechai kills Saph, another giant, and Elhanan kills Goliath’s brother. These victories over the giants symbolize God’s continued protection

2 Samuel 21:20-21 (NKJV)
20 Yet again there was war at Gath, where 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 So when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him.

Another battle occurs at Gath, where a giant with an abnormal number of fingers and toes confronts Israel. This man, from the lineage of the giants, also defies Israel. Jonathan, David’s nephew, kills him. This victory is another testament to the faith and courage of David’s men in overcoming great odds, reflecting God’s power through them.

2 Samuel 21:22 (NKJV)
22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.

This concluding verse summarizes the defeat of the four giants from Gath by David and his men. It emphasizes the continuation of victories against formidable enemies, which had begun with David’s defeat of Goliath. God’s deliverance of Israel is evident throughout, as even mighty warriors fall before those who trust in Him.