What does 2 Samuel 21:9 mean?
"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." - 2 Samuel 21:9
The verse 2 Samuel 21:9 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "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."
This verse comes from a larger narrative in the book of 2 Samuel, which details the reign of David as king of Israel. The specific passage describes the events that took place during a time of famine in the land. David sought the Lord for the cause of the famine, and he was given an answer: it was a result of the blood guilt of King Saul and his house, who had killed the Gibeonites unjustly.
The Gibeonites were a group of people who had made a treaty with the Israelites during the time of Joshua. However, Saul had violated this treaty by attacking them, in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah. As a result, the Gibeonites sought restitution for the wrongs that had been done to them. They were given seven men from the house of Saul to be executed as a form of retribution for the injustice that had been done to them.
This verse raises several important themes that are prevalent throughout the Bible. One prominent theme is the idea of justice and restitution. The Gibeonites sought retribution for the wrongs committed against them, and in doing so, they pointed to the importance of upholding treaties and honoring agreements made with others. Additionally, the passage highlights the idea of collective guilt and the consequences that can result from the actions of individuals or nations.
Another significant theme found in this verse is the concept of God's sovereignty and judgment. The execution of the seven men before the Lord serves as a reminder that God is just and holds all people accountable for their actions. It is a demonstration of the fact that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and that there are consequences for disobedience and wrongdoing.
The context of this verse is important to consider when examining its meaning. The execution of the men from the house of Saul was an act of justice in response to a violation of a treaty. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of honoring agreements and treating others with fairness and respect.
Symbolism is also present in this verse. The act of hanging the men "before the LORD" can be seen as a symbolic representation of the judgment and justice of God. It serves as a public display of the consequences of disobeying the Lord and violating agreements made with others.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 21:9 presents a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that touches on important themes such as justice, restitution, and the sovereignty of God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of upholding agreements made with others. The verse also contains symbolism that points to the judgment and justice of God. Overall, this passage carries a message that is relevant and impactful for readers today as it illustrates the timeless principles of justice and accountability.
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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."
"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." - 2 Samuel 21:9
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
2 Samuel 11:9
2 Chronicles 21:9
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
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."
1 Samuel 9:1-2
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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."
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 9:21 - "And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?"
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."
2 Samuel 2:9 - "And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel."
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."
2 Samuel 8:9 - "¶ When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,"
2 Samuel 9:9 - "¶ Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house."
2 Samuel 6:9 - "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?"
2 Samuel 15:9 - "And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."
2 Samuel 21:5 - "And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel,"
2 Samuel 18:21 - "Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran."
"And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him." - 2 Samuel 21:21
2 Samuel 9:1 - "And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
2 Samuel 14:21 - "¶ And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again."
2 Samuel 11:9 - "But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house."