What does 2 Samuel 21:1 mean?
"Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites." - 2 Samuel 21:1
The verse 2 Samuel 21:1 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites."
This verse is a significant moment in the life of King David, the second king of Israel, and reflects the complexity of his reign and his relationship with God.
The context of this verse is essential to understanding its meaning. The famine mentioned in the verse lasted for three years, and it was a devastating period for the people of Israel. In the ancient world, famines were often seen as signs of divine displeasure or punishment. In this case, the famine was not merely a natural disaster, but it was a result of the actions of King Saul and his bloodline.
The verse states that David "enquired of the Lord" regarding the cause of the famine. This shows David's humility and reliance on God for guidance and wisdom. Despite being a powerful and successful king, David understood the importance of seeking God's will in all matters, especially in times of crisis.
The Lord's response to David's inquiry is significant. God revealed that the famine was a consequence of King Saul's actions against the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites were a group of people who had made a covenant with the Israelites during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9:3-27). Despite their deceit in making the covenant, the Israelites were bound by their promise to spare the Gibeonites. However, Saul broke this covenant and killed some of the Gibeonites, leading to the divine punishment of the famine.
This verse reveals several important themes and lessons. First, it demonstrates the biblical principle of reaping what one sows. The actions of King Saul had far-reaching consequences that impacted the entire nation. This principle serves as a warning to individuals and leaders about the importance of honoring commitments and obeying God's commands.
Moreover, the verse emphasizes the necessity of seeking God's guidance and repentance in times of trouble. David's immediate response to the famine was to seek the Lord's will and inquire about the cause. This attitude of humility and reliance on God is a valuable example for believers today. It reminds us that we should seek God's guidance and repentance when faced with difficulties and challenges.
The verse also highlights the importance of justice and honoring commitments. The Lord's response to the famine shows His concern for justice and His faithfulness to uphold covenants. God holds His people accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to treating others with fairness and keeping promises.
In terms of symbolism, the famine can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual drought that occurs when individuals or nations stray from God's ways. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and restoration.
In summary, 2 Samuel 21:1 is a crucial verse in the biblical narrative, as it reveals important truths about God's justice, the consequences of sin, and the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of trouble. It also offers valuable lessons for believers about humility, repentance, and honoring commitments.
Have questions about 2 Samuel 21:1?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Samuel 21:1 Artwork
2 Samuel 21:1 - "Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites."
"Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites." - 2 Samuel 21:1
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 samuel 23:8-21
1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
1 Samuel 21:10-15
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
2 Samuel 1:21 - "Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil."
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."
"And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD." - 1 Samuel 2:21
1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."
2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."
1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."
1 Samuel 21:1 - "Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?"
1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."
2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
2 Samuel 19:21 - "But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?"
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."
1 Samuel 2:26 - "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."
2 Samuel 21:7 - "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."
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."