“And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Samuel 21 that deals with a severe famine that occurred in the days of King David. Let’s examine the verse in its context and explore its meaning.
Context:During the reign of King Saul, he had made a grievous mistake by breaking a covenant that the Israelites had made with the Gibeonites. The covenant was made during Joshua’s time (Joshua 9:3-27) when the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites into making a treaty with them, preserving their lives. Despite discovering the deception, Joshua and the leaders of Israel chose to honor the covenant.
Many years later, during the reign of Saul, he took action against the Gibeonites, likely seeking to regain power and control. Saul violated the covenant and committed atrocities against the Gibeonites, leading to bloodshed and suffering. This act brought a curse upon the land, resulting in a severe famine lasting for three years (2 Samuel 21:1).
Analysis:In 2 Samuel 21:4, the Gibeonites are speaking to King David, who was seeking God’s guidance on how to resolve the famine. They express their position and demands to David. They first state that they do not desire any silver or gold from Saul’s house. This indicates that their motive is not personal gain or material wealth but rather justice and reparation for the wrongs committed against them.
The Gibeonites then make it clear to David that they do not seek to take revenge by killing any Israelite, thereby demonstrating their restraint and desire for a peaceful resolution. They recognize that the matter is not about the general Israelite population but specifically about the actions of Saul and his house.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Honoring commitments and covenants:The initial covenant made between Israel and the Gibeonites teaches us the importance of honoring our commitments and covenants. Even though it was based on deception, Joshua and the leaders chose to honor their word, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness. This reminds us of the significance of keeping our promises and maintaining trustworthiness in our relationships.
- Seeking reconciliation and justice:The Gibeonites’ response reveals a desire for justice rather than vengeance. They did not ask for personal wealth or bloodshed but sought redress for the wrongs committed against them. This teaches us the importance of pursuing reconciliation and justice rather than revenge when wronged.
- The consequences of sin:Saul’s violation of the covenant resulted in severe consequences for the land and its people. This highlights the fact that our actions have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for others. It serves as a reminder to consider the potential impact of our choices and to strive to act in accordance with God’s commands.
- The role of leaders in rectifying past wrongs:As king, David was responsible for addressing the previous king’s transgressions. His interaction with the Gibeonites exemplifies the role of leaders in seeking reconciliation, repairing the consequences of past mistakes, and pursuing justice.
Conclusion:2 Samuel 21:4 provides insight into the Gibeonites’ response to David’s inquiry about the famine. Their refusal of silver and gold and their rejection of seeking revenge reflect their desire for justice and restoration. This verse teaches us important lessons about the significance of honoring commitments, seeking reconciliation, and understanding the consequences of our actions. It also emphasizes the responsibility of leaders in addressing past wrongs and pursuing justice on behalf of their people.
