“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.)”
Context:To better understand this verse, let’s first examine the context of the passage. In 2 Samuel 21, we find that there was a famine in the land of Israel for three years. King David inquired of the Lord about the cause of the famine, and the Lord revealed that it was a result of the bloodguilt that Saul and his house had brought upon the Gibeonites.
The Gibeonites:The Gibeonites were a group of people who lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelites conquered it. When Joshua and the Israelites entered the land, the Gibeonites deceived them into making a covenant of peace. The Israelites swore an oath to spare their lives, but later discovered the deception. Despite this, they honored the oath and allowed the Gibeonites to live, though they became forced laborers (Joshua 9).
Saul’s actions:The verse mentions that Saul sought to slay the Gibeonites in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah. The reason for Saul’s actions is not explicitly stated in this verse, but it is likely that he disregarded the oath made by the Israelites and sought to annihilate the Gibeonites. Saul’s actions were not only a violation of the oath but also a violation of God’s command to Israel to keep their promises and covenants.
David’s response:After realizing the cause of the famine, King David took action to make things right. He called for the Gibeonites and inquired how to atone for the wrong committed by Saul. The Gibeonites demanded that seven descendants of Saul be handed over to them for execution as retribution for Saul’s attempt to destroy them.
Lessons and applications:
- Honoring commitments:The passage highlights the importance of honoring commitments and oaths, even if they were made under deceptive circumstances. The Israelites’ oath to spare the Gibeonites was binding, and Saul’s attempt to break that oath had severe consequences.
- Accountability for actions:Saul’s actions had repercussions for future generations. It serves as a reminder that our actions can have lasting effects not only on ourselves but also on those who come after us.
- Seeking reconciliation:David’s response to the situation demonstrates the importance of seeking reconciliation and making amends for past wrongs. He took responsibility for Saul’s actions and sought to restore the relationship between Israel and the Gibeonites.
Overall, 2 Samuel 21:2 teaches us about the significance of honoring commitments, being accountable for our actions, and seeking reconciliation when we have wronged others. It reminds us of the importance of upholding our word and treating others with justice and integrity.
