2 Samuel 21
Meaning of 2 Samuel 21
Second Samuel Chapter 21 is a part of the Old Testament in the Bible. This chapter is specifically associated with the later part of King David’s reign. Let’s break down the key events and their contextual meaning:
1. Famine in David’s Reign: It opens with a three-year famine, which David perceives as a sign of God’s displeasure. He seeks understanding from God and finds out that the famine was due to Saul’s killing of the Gibeonites, a non-Israelite group that Israel had sworn to spare.
2. Atonement with the Gibeonites: To atone for Saul’s actions, David hands over seven of Saul’s male descendants to the Gibeonites who then kill them, albeit David spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, because of his covenant with Jonathan.
3. Burial of Saul’s family: The bodies of Saul and his family are retrieved and given a proper burial by Rizpah, Saul’s concubine. Touched by this act, David orders the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan to be taken from the men of Jabesh Gilead and buries them in the land of Benjamin.
4. Giant Warriors Defeated: The second half of this chapter describes the battles between the Israelites and the Philistine giants. Four giants are defeated and killed, one of them is typically interpreted as Goliath, who is slain by David’s warrior Elhanan. These victories highlight God’s continued support for David and Israel.
In essence, the chapter deals with issues of retribution, consequences of breaking oaths, desperate loyalty, and continued warfare ensuring David’s divine favor.
2 Samuel 21 kjv
2 Samuel 21, from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, revolves around the resolution of three main events: a famine in David’s time, the death of seven of Saul’s descendants, and battles against Philistine giants.
1-14: The chapter begins by implying a three-year-long famine during the reign of King David, who seeks the face of the Lord. The Lord reveals that the famine is due to Saul’s bloodshed of the Gibeonites. In order to appease God and the Gibeonites, David hands over seven of Saul’s male descendants to the Gibeonites, who then kill them. Rizpah, the mother of two of the victims, mourns over the bodies until the rain comes, signifying the end of famine. Touched by her actions, David gathers the bones of those killed, along with the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan, and buries them in the tomb of Saul’s father, bringing closure to the episode.
15-22: The second part details David’s battles with the Philistines. David and his servants fight against four giants—descendants of the Rapha in Gath. They defeated giants like Ishbi-benob, Saph (also called Sippai), Lahmi (the brother of Goliath), and an unnamed giant with twelve fingers and twelve toes. These battles display God’s continuous protection over Israel and David’s declining physical strength as he grows old in age.
This chapter, therefore, deals with the themes of restitution, atonement, faithfulness in mourning, battles against giants, and the aging and vulnerability of King David.
2 Samuel 21 nkjv
2 Samuel 21 is a chapter from the Old Testament of the Bible. It recounts an event during the reign of King David in Israel. The New King James Version (NKJV) language is more reflective of contemporary English, making it clearer to a modern audience. Here is a simple breakdown of the chapter:
1. Verses 1-6: The chapter begins with a famine in Israel that lasts for three years. David seeks to understand why, and he finds out that it’s because Saul, the former King, had sought to exterminate the Gibeonites, who were protected under a peace deal with Israel. So, as retribution, the Gibeonites ask for seven of Saul’s descendants to be handed over for execution.
2. Verses 7-9: David complies but spares Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth because of his covenant with Jonathan. He hands over seven of Saul’s sons/grandsons, and the Gibeonites kill them.
3. Verses 10-14: Rizpah, mother of two of Saul’s sons, mourns her sons bitterly and protects their bodies from being devoured by beasts. David hears of Rizpah’s vigil and is moved. He gathers the bones of Saul and Jonathan and the seven killed, and gives them proper burial. After that, it’s noted that God heeded the plea for the land.
4. Vershese 15-22: The chapter concludes with accounts of various battles fought against the Philistines, in which some giants (descendants of the Rephaim) are killed by David’s men.
This chapter doesn’t follow any chronological order in David’s life but rather provides an in-depth look at some major incidents during his reign. It’s crucial to note that the themes and actions contained here (like the notion of justice and peace), including the retaliative killing, are part of the Old Testament narrative and are a reflection of the societal beliefs and norms of that historical time.
2 Samuel 21 niv
2 Samuel 21 belongs to the Second Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible. Here’s a brief synopsis of the chapter:
The chapter starts with a famine lasting for three successive years during the reign of David. When David inquires of the Lord, he receives the message that it’s due to the bloodguilt on Saul and his family because Saul had killed many Gibeonites, who were under the protection of the Israelites due to an old agreement.
David seeks reconciliation, asking the Gibeonites what needs to be done for atonement. They request seven sons of Saul be delivered to them to hang at Gibeah of Saul, Saul’s hometown, which David carries out, sparing Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, because of the oath David and Jonathan had shared. The famine ends afterward.
In the latter part of the chapter, the narrative switches to David’s continuing struggles with the Philistines. Four descendants of the giants (Anakim) are killed in this chapter, one of them by David’s nephew Elhanan, and one by David’s soldier Abishai. David himself fights against one such giant, Ishbi-Benob, but as he grows faint, one of his warriors, Abishai, comes to his rescue and kills the giant.
A significant point in this chapter is when David’s men swore to him saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished,” indicating their recognition of David as the “lamp of Israel.”
Bear in mind that interpretations can vary across different religious traditions and interpretations may differ among biblical scholars.
What is 2 Samuel 21 all about?
2 Samuel 21 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible that primarily deals with three main sections: The Gibeonites’ Revenge, Wars against the Philistines, and David’s Song of Praise.
1. The Gibeonites’ Revenge (verses 1-14): At the start of the chapter, we find Israel suffering from a severe famine. David prays to God and finds out that the famine is a result of King Saul’s actions against the Gibeonites, breaking an old covenant made by Joshua. David speaks with the Gibeonites, who refuse silver or gold as restitution, instead demanding the lives of seven sons of Saul. David agrees, sparing Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, because of his covenant with Jonathan. The Gibeonites execute the seven sons and the famine ends.
2. Wars against the Philistines (verses 15-22): The chapter then transitions to summarizing various individual battles fought against the Philistines after the period of famine. Noteworthy are the descriptions of four giants being defeated – one by David, and three by David’s warriors. One of these giants is identified as a brother of Goliath.
3. David’s Song of Praise (verses in other chapters): While the chapter doesn’t actually include David’s Song of Praise, 2 Samuel 22 and 23 are dedicated to his poetic songs of triumph and words of wisdom.
So, 2 Samuel 21 is about justice, war, divine retribution, personal courage, and the resolution of past wrongs. Through the narrative, the chapter explores the consequences of breaking a covenant and shows how David’s rule is characterized by loyalty to past agreements, resolute leadership in times of crisis, and importantly, successful military conquests directly linked to God’s favor and aid.
What does 2 Samuel 21 teaches?
2 Samuel 21 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, which forms part of the historical narratives around King David’s reign. Here’s a brief summary and teaching of the chapter.
The chapter begins with a three-year famine in the land of Israel, which David learns is due to Saul’s bloodguilt, as he killed the Gibeonites unjustly. The Gibeonites were not Israelites but were supposed to be treated fairly due to an ancient agreement. To atone for Saul’s sins, David handed over seven male descendants of Saul to the Gibeonites, who executed them.
The teaching here could be about the importance of atonement or restitution for sin – the idea that wrongs must be righted or otherwise accounted for, even if the sin was done by previous generations.
The chapter also describes the burial of Saul’s son Jonathan and Saul himself by a faithful concubine. This teaches that respect and honor should be given to the dead, regardless of their deeds while alive.
The later part of 2 Samuel 21 recounts various battles David and his servants had with the Philistines. It retells exploits of some of David’s warriors, showing their bravery, loyalty, and military skill. An important message could be that valor and bravery are virtues to be celebrated.
Interestingly, the chapter ends with a brief note about a near-death event where David was almost killed by a Philistine giant. His servant Abishai saved him, leading to an order that David should no longer go into battle, so as not to quench the ‘lamp of Israel’. This reinforces the theme of protection and wisdom in leadership.
Generally, 2 Samuel 21 symbolizes the festering and consequent resolution of historic injustices, reveres bravery and loyalty, underscores the importance of wise and protective leadership, and emphasizes respect for the deceased.
A Sermon on 2 Samuel 21
2 Samuel 21 is a chapter in the Bible specifically found in the Old Testament. It records events during the reign of King David in Israel. Here is a breakdown and contextual sermon on this chapter:
1. Famine and Atonement (2 Samuel 21:1-9):
The chapter begins with a severe famine in David’s kingdom. David seeks God, discovering the famine is due to King Saul’s previous violation concerning the Gibeonites. Saul had killed several Gibeonites, breaking an earlier treaty. To atone for this sin, the Gibeonites ask for seven of Saul’s male descendants to be handed over for execution. David grants this, sparing Mephibosheth due to his vow to Jonathan and instead chose seven other descendants of Saul.
Sermon Point: This teaches us the importance of atonement and making peace. God values fairness and justice, so much so that He allowed famine until justice was done. Also, it stresses the importance of keeping covenants or promises, as David did with Mephibosheth.
2. Rizpah’s Lament (2 Samuel 21:10-14):
Rizpah, a concubine of Saul, protects the bodies of her two sons included in the seven, from the elements and birds until they are retrieved and properly buried by David. Her action moved David to have the bones of Saul and Jonathan also retrieved from the Philistines and buried in Israel.
Sermon Point: Rizpah’s faithful love for her sons, courage, and determination were admirable traits that were honored by God and David. This shows that God sees and appreciates acts of love, devotion, and protest against unjust situations.
3. Battles Against Philistine Giants (2 Samuel 21:15-22):
The latter part of the chapter recounts the narratives of battles against Philistine giants, descendants of Rapha. David and his men killed four, including Goliath’s brother, preventing further conflict.
Sermon Point: This indicates the ongoing conflict between Israel and its enemies. It highlights that with God’s help, Israel can overcome any enemy, regardless of their physical power or size. It exemplifies how God uses people, like David and his men, to accomplish His divine purposes.
In general, this chapter depicts a powerful message about consequences of unkept promises, the importance of righteous acts and the fidelity of God’s servants even in the midst of adversity. It underlines God’s insistence on justice, His appreciation for acts of love and His provision for His people.
Key people in 2 Samuel 21
2 Samuel 21 features several key players who were critical in the narrative of the Bible:
1. David: He was the King of Israel, who consulted God through prayer, especially in moments of crises. In this chapter, David resolved the famine in the land which affected the Israelites for three years. He also organized the burial for the bones of King Saul and his son Jonathan.
2. The Gibeonites: They were the residents of Gibeon, a city spared during Joshua’s conquests. When touched by Saul’s previous tyranny (who sought to kill them), they requested David to expiate the land from the guilt of bloodshed by handing over Saul’s descendants to them.
3. Rizpah: She was the daughter of Aiah and a concubine of Saul. She demonstrated extraordinary mourning and protection for the bodies of her sons when they were killed by the Gibeonites.
4. Saul: The first king of Israel, Saul had violated his oath to spare the Gibeonites (which led to a famine in the land). His actions were against God’s will, and his house continued to face the consequences even after his death.
5. The seven descendants of Saul: They were surrendered by David to the Gibeonites to atone for Saul’s sin. Among them were Rizpah’s two sons.
6. Jonathan, son of Shimei / Shimeah / Shimea (Saul’s brother) is specifically named as the man who took down a Philistine giant in this chapter.
7. Four Philistine giants: They were killed in four separate fights against King David’s men at the end of the chapter – one by David himself and the last three by his men. The events helped conclude a long-lasting war between the Philistines and the Israelites.
These key characters play integral roles in the events of 2 Samuel 21 in various ways, demonstrating courage, sacrifice, and determination.
Real world examples on 2 Samuel 21
“2 Samuel 21” is a chapter from the Bible’s Old Testament, which recounts multiple historical incidents mostly involving King David. Here are two general real-world examples or applications of its teachings:
1. The Importance of Honor and Justice: In 2 Samuel 21:1-14, we see the story of the Gibeonites seeking justice for Saul’s broken covenant. David honors the covenant between Israel and the Gibeonites (which Saul disregarded), thus demonstrating the importance of honoring agreements and seeking justice. The real-world application of this could be seen in international politics, where treaties and agreements between nations need to be upheld. If you disregard the covenant, it may lead to the suffering of innocent people, just as a famine fell upon Israel due to Saul’s negligence.
2. Bravery and Loyalty: In the latter part of 2 Samuel 21, the focus shifts to David’s mighty men and their exploits, particularly in relation to their protection over David from various Philistine giants. A real world example could be reflecting on our military and law enforcement personnel, who risk their lives on daily basis to protect their leaders and civilians. Their unwavering dedication and bravery can often be compared to that of David’s warriors with their loyalty to their king and country.
In a more personal context, this can also be seen in terms of standing up for our friends, family or principles in the face of much larger or daunting oppositions, thereby showing bravery and loyalty.
Brief Explanation of 2 Samuel 21
2 Samuel 21 is primarily about the resolution of a three-year famine during King David’s reign. It turned out that the famine was a result of Saul’s previous wrong actions against the Gibeonites. David, seeking to atone this, asked the Gibeonites what could be done. The Gibeonites asked for seven of Saul’s descendants to be handed over to them. David agreed, excluding Mephibosheth due to his oath to Jonathan, and handed over seven of Saul’s male descendants, who were put to death by the Gibeonites.
The chapter then moves into a description of the burial of these men as well as the bodies of Saul and his son Jonathan, which had been left unburied after their deaths in battle. Rizpah, a concubine of Saul, is noted for her act of devotion in protecting the bodies from scavengers until they could be properly buried.
The chapter concludes with accounts of various battles against the Philistine giants, noting the deaths of four giants, with David and his warriors emerging victorious. This shows David’s courage and the strength of his men.
Overall, this chapter reveals David’s commitment to justice, his respect for his commitments, his sensitivity to proper burial rites, and his ongoing struggle against the Philistines.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Samuel 21
Sure, I can provide an explanation of the common questions that might arise from 2 Samuel 21 in the Bible. Please note that interpretations can vary based on different theological teachings.
1. Who are the Gibeonites and why are they significant in 2 Samuel 21?
The Gibeonites are a non-Israelite group that made a peace treaty with Joshua in the early conquest of Canaan (Joshua 9). Saul apparently tried to wipe them out in zealousness for the Israelites and Judah, but this action broke the treaty and brought a famine to Israel, showing the importance of honoring treaties and covenants in God’s sight.
2. Why was there a three-year famine during the reign of David?
The famine was God’s punishment due to Saul’s bloodshed of the Gibeonites. When David sought God’s face to understand why the famine had occurred, God revealed that it was because Saul had killed the Gibeonites, breaking Israel’s pledge to let them live.
3. What is the meaning of the seven descendants of Saul given to the Gibeonites?
This is an act of retribution or restitution. The Gibeonites requested this as justice for the wrongs Saul had done to them. It’s a severe story that emphasizes the seriousness of Saul’s crimes and the tragic consequences of his actions.
4. Who was Rizpah and what did she do?
Rizpah is one of Saul’s concubines. After Saul’s sons were killed as atonement, she became known for her act of mourning and protection over the bodies. She spread sackcloth on a rock and stayed with the bodies, keeping the birds and animals away until they were properly buried by David.
5. Why did David give Saul and his sons a proper burial?
David’s actions demonstrate his respect and honor for Saul as the Lord’s anointed, even after his death. This account highlights David’s commitment to righteousness.
Remember, the book of Samuel is a historical account that also contains many nuanced societal and cultural practices of the time. Always consider its context and seek multiple sources when studying the scripture.
Possible References for 2 Samuel 21
2 Samuel 21 is a chapter in the Second Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter is typically broken down into several significant sections or events. Here are some possible references or interpretations:
1. The Gibeonites’ Revenge (2 Samuel 21:1-9): This section deals with a famine that strikes Israel during David’s reign. David seeks God’s guidance and is told that the famine is retribution for Saul’s bloodguilt because he put the Gibeonites to death. The Gibeonites were not a part of the children of Israel but were survivors of the Amorites. David asks the Gibeonites what he can do to make amends. They demand seven of Saul’s sons to be handed over to them to be killed, which David does, except he spares Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan.
2. The Burial of Saul’s Family (2 Samuel 21:10-14): Rizpah, the concubine of Saul, mourns the death of her two sons and Saul’s seven descendants, and protects their bodies from scavengers until they can receive a proper burial. When David hears of this, he orders that the bones of Saul and Jonathan be gathered, along with the bodies that the Gibeonites hanged, and all are buried in the family grave at Zela in Benjamin. Afterwards, God answered prayer for the land.
3. David’s Song of Deliverance (2 Samuel 22): Following these events, David sings and writes a song of praise to God for the deliverance He has provided him during his lifetime.
4. Battles against the Philistine Giants (2 Samuel 21:15-22): These verses describe the wars with the Philistines in which four giants are killed by David’s servants. Some English versions suggest one of these giants may have been a brother of Goliath. This action marks the final victories over the Philistines for the time being.
Remember, interpretation can vary depending on religious perspectives, study traditions, and translation versions of the Bible. It’s always beneficial to review different commentaries and interpretations to fully comprehend Bible passages.
Conclusion on 2 Samuel 21
2 Samuel 21 is a passage in the Bible that concludes several themes and stories centering around King David’s reign and how he dealt with various situations. Specifically, it provides three distinct episodes: the Gibeonites’ famine, the death of seven of Saul’s descendants, and multiple battles against the Philistines.
1. Gibeonites’ Famine:
The chapter starts with a famine that lasts for three years. David seeks divine guidance and learns that the famine is due to King Saul’s attempt to annihilate the Gibeonites, which violated the covenant between Israelites and Gibeonites.
2. Death of Seven of Saul’s Descendants:
To atone for Saul’s transgressions, David hands over seven of Saul’s male descendants to the Gibeonites, who execute them. This action, albeit gruesome, resolves the issue and ends the famine.
3. Wars against the Philistines:
The latter part of the chapter narrates how David’s men succeeded in battles against giants from the Philistines, further marking David’s reign and the strength of his kingdom. In these battles, David’s men kill four descendants of the giant in Gath (possibly Goliath’s relatives), thus removing the severe threats against Israel.
From a conclusion perspective, 2 Samuel 21 serves as a sort of “loose ends” chapter, addressing some remaining issues from Saul’s reign and underlining David’s efforts to do what’s right before God, settling past scores, and ensuring security for his kingdom. This chapter reaffirms the notion that divine justice can’t be ignored, and even a king cannot overturn God’s covenant. It also underscores the faithfulness of David’s warriors and their contribution to the establishment and security of David’s rule.