What does 2 Samuel 21:2 mean?
"And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)" - 2 Samuel 21:2
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 21:2 from the King James Version reads, "And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)"
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of 2 Samuel that discusses the actions of King David and the consequences of the actions of his predecessor, King Saul. To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to examine the historical and literary context, as well as the themes and symbolism present in the passage.
The book of 2 Samuel is the second part of a historical narrative that covers the transition of the Israelite nation from a collection of tribes led by judges to a unified kingdom under the leadership of King David. This book focuses on the reign of King David, his military accomplishments, personal life, and the consequences of his actions. The passage in 2 Samuel 21:1-14 specifically deals with an incident involving the Gibeonites, a non-Israelite people who were deceived into making a treaty with the Israelites during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9). In this passage, the Gibeonites come to David seeking justice for the violence committed against them during the reign of King Saul.
The verse begins with King David calling the Gibeonites, who were survivors of the Amorite people, to address their grievances. It is important to note that the Gibeonites were not part of the original twelve tribes of Israel, but they were incorporated into the community through a treaty. The verse then provides context for the Gibeonites' complaint by explaining that King Saul had sought to annihilate them in his zeal for the welfare of Israel and Judah.
In this verse, there are several important themes at play. One of the key themes is the concept of justice and retribution. The Gibeonites seek justice for the atrocities committed against them, and King David recognizes the need to make amends for the sins of his predecessor. This theme reflects the broader biblical principle of seeking justice for the oppressed and marginalized, as well as the notion of collective responsibility for past wrongs.
Another significant theme in this verse is the idea of faithfulness and the importance of honoring commitments and treaties. Despite not being part of the original covenant people, the Gibeonites had entered into a treaty with the Israelites, and King David acknowledges the binding nature of this agreement. This theme highlights the biblical emphasis on the importance of honoring one's word and the enduring consequences of broken promises.
Symbolism also plays a role in this verse, particularly in the portrayal of King Saul's misguided zeal. Saul's violent actions against the Gibeonites represent the dangers of unchecked zeal and the destructive consequences of acting outside of God's will. This serves as a cautionary example for future leaders and individuals in positions of power.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 21:2 is a significant verse that addresses themes of justice, faithfulness, and the consequences of misplaced zeal. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking justice for the oppressed, honoring commitments, and exercising wisdom and discernment in leadership. The verse offers valuable insights into the biblical understanding of historical retribution and the enduring impact of past actions. Ultimately, it invites readers to reflect on their own actions and responsibilities in relation to justice and faithfulness.
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2 Samuel 21:2 - "And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)"
"And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)" - 2 Samuel 21:2
2 samuel 23:8-21
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
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 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."
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 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 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."
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 2:21 - "And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him."
"And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them." - 2 Samuel 5:21
2 Samuel 7:21 - "For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them."
"And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him." - 2 Samuel 21:21
2 Samuel 21:15 - "¶ Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint."
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."
2 Samuel 21:14 - "And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land."
2 Samuel 21:3 - "Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?"
2 Samuel 21:19 - "And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Beth-lehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam."
"¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth." - 2 Samuel 13:21
"And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done." - 2 Samuel 21:11
2 Samuel 21:20 - "And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant."
2 Samuel 24:21 - "And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people."