2 Samuel 21:1-9: The Famine and the Gibeonites
The Famine in Israel
The passage of 2 Samuel 21:1-9 begins with a severe famine that lasted for three years in Israel. This famine was not just a natural disaster, but it was a direct consequence of God's judgment on the nation. The Bible says, "Then there was a famine in Israel for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord said, 'There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death'" (2 Samuel 21:1).
The Sin of Saul
The reason for the famine was the sin of Saul, the first king of Israel. During his reign, Saul had broken the covenant made between the Gibeonites and the Israelites. The Gibeonites were a group of people who had deceived the Israelites into making a treaty with them, thinking they were from a far-off land. However, the Gibeonites were actually from the surrounding areas and were living among the Israelites.
The Covenant with the Gibeonites
The covenant between the Israelites and the Gibeonites was a sacred agreement that was meant to be honored. However, Saul, in his zeal to wipe out the Gibeonites, broke the covenant and slaughtered many of them.
David's Response
When David inquired of the Lord about the famine, God revealed to him the reason behind it. David, determined to make things right, asked the Gibeonites what they required to make amends. The Gibeonites asked for seven sons of Saul to be handed over to them, and David agreed to their request.
The Execution of Saul's Sons
David handed over seven sons of Saul to the Gibeonites, who then hanged them on the hill of Gibeah. The Bible says, "And the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; and he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the mountain before the Lord. And they were put to death in the first day of the harvest, at the beginning of barley harvest" (2 Samuel 21:8-9).
The Conclusion
The passage of 2 Samuel 21:1-9 serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring our covenants and agreements. Saul's sin had far-reaching consequences, leading to a severe famine that affected the entire nation. David's response, although difficult, was necessary to restore the relationship between God and His people. This story teaches us that our actions have consequences, and it is essential to take responsibility for our mistakes and make amends when necessary.
