“Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.”
Context:2 Samuel 21:1 takes place during the reign of King David. It mentions a three-year famine that occurred in the land. This famine was a significant event, and David sought the Lord to understand the reason behind it.
Famine in the land:The occurrence of a famine for three consecutive years indicates a severe scarcity of food and resources. Famine was a common consequence in ancient times, often resulting from a lack of rainfall, crop failure, or other natural disasters. The presence of famine created hardship and suffering for the people of Israel.
David inquired of the Lord:David, being a godly king, understood the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in times of trouble. Instead of relying solely on his own understanding, David sought the Lord’s counsel. This shows David’s humility and his recognition of God’s sovereignty and power.
The Lord’s response:When David inquired of the Lord, God revealed to him that the famine was a consequence of Saul’s actions against the Gibeonites. Saul, the previous king of Israel, had broken the covenant made with the Gibeonites, which resulted in the shedding of innocent blood. The Lord held Saul and his “bloody house” responsible for this violation.
Saul’s actions and the Gibeonites:The Gibeonites were a group of people who lived in the land of Canaan. They deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a covenant of peace during the time of the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 9). According to the covenant, the Israelites were not to harm the Gibeonites. However, Saul, in his zeal for Israel, violated this covenant and persecuted the Gibeonites, causing innocent bloodshed.
Lessons and Applications:
- Seeking God’s guidance:David’s example teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and direction in our lives. In times of difficulty or when faced with challenging situations, we should turn to God, seeking His wisdom and counsel through prayer and reading His Word.
- Accountability for actions:Saul’s actions had consequences that affected the entire nation. It is a reminder that our actions can have far‑reaching effects, not only on ourselves but also on others. We should strive to act in accordance with God’s principles and treat others with fairness, upholding our commitments and agreements.
- Honoring covenants and agreements:The breaking of the covenant with the Gibeonites by Saul brought judgment upon the nation. It underscores the importance of honoring our commitments and agreements, even when it may seem inconvenient or challenging. God takes our commitments seriously, and we should strive to be people of integrity who keep our word.
- Recognizing God’s justice:God’s response to David’s inquiry reveals His sense of justice. Even though Saul was already dead, God held him accountable for his actions. It reminds us that God sees and remembers every deed and holds each person accountable for their actions, either in this life or the next.
Overall, 2 Samuel 21:1 highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance, the consequences of our actions, and the significance of honoring commitments and agreements. It also serves as a reminder of God’s justice and His faithfulness to His people.
