2 Samuel 21:9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD. So all seven of them fell together; they were put to death in the first days of the harvest, at the beginning of the barley harvest.

Study Bible

He handed them over
This phrase indicates a transfer of responsibility and judgment. In the Hebrew context, the act of handing over is often associated with divine justice or fulfillment of a covenant. The Gibeonites had been wronged by Saul, and David, seeking to rectify this, hands over Saul's descendants. This act underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the serious consequences of breaking oaths made before God.

to the Gibeonites
The Gibeonites were a group of people who had made a treaty with Israel during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9). Despite their deceptive means of securing the treaty, it was honored by God and Israel. This highlights the sacredness of oaths and covenants in the biblical narrative. The Gibeonites' role here is a reminder of the long-lasting implications of agreements made in God's name.

who killed them
The act of killing here is a form of retributive justice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice often involved a life-for-life principle. The Gibeonites executing Saul's descendants is seen as a fulfillment of justice for the bloodguilt Saul brought upon Israel by breaking the covenant with the Gibeonites.

and exposed their bodies
Exposing bodies was a sign of disgrace and a public display of judgment. In Deuteronomy 21:22-23, the law states that a hanged body should not remain on a tree overnight, emphasizing the curse associated with such exposure. This act served as a public testament to the seriousness of Saul's sin and the fulfillment of justice.

on the hill before the LORD
The hill signifies a place of visibility and perhaps a place of worship or judgment. Doing this "before the LORD" indicates that the act was not just a human decision but was carried out in the presence of God, suggesting divine approval or oversight. It underscores the belief that God is the ultimate judge and witness to human actions.

All seven of them fell together
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. The simultaneous death of all seven descendants signifies the complete fulfillment of the required justice. It also reflects the collective nature of familial and national identity in ancient Israel, where the actions of one could affect many.

they were put to death during the first days of the harvest
The timing of their death during the harvest season is significant. Harvest time is often associated with judgment and reaping what has been sown. This timing may symbolize the reaping of consequences for Saul's actions, aligning with the biblical theme of sowing and reaping.

at the beginning of the barley harvest
The barley harvest marks the start of the agricultural year in Israel, typically around April. This period is also associated with Passover, a time of deliverance and redemption. The juxtaposition of death and the beginning of a new season may symbolize the end of a curse and the potential for new beginnings for Israel after justice is served.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who sought to make amends for Saul's sin against the Gibeonites.

2. Gibeonites
A group of people who were wronged by Saul, leading to a famine in Israel as divine retribution.

3. Rizpah
The mother of two of the men who were handed over to the Gibeonites; she later protected their bodies.

4. Saul
The former King of Israel whose actions against the Gibeonites led to the famine.

5. Barley Harvest
The time of year when the executions took place, marking a significant agricultural period in Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Broken Covenants
Breaking covenants, especially those made before God, can have severe consequences. Saul's violation of the covenant with the Gibeonites led to a national crisis.

The Importance of Justice and Atonement
David's actions to rectify Saul's wrongs highlight the importance of justice and making amends for past sins. This teaches us the value of seeking reconciliation and justice in our own lives.

The Role of Divine Retribution
The famine in Israel serves as a reminder of divine retribution. It underscores the belief that God is just and will address wrongs in His timing.

The Power of Intercession and Advocacy
Rizpah's vigil over her sons' bodies is a powerful example of a mother's love and advocacy, reminding us of the importance of standing up for the dignity of others.

The Timing of God's Justice
The execution during the barley harvest signifies that God's justice operates on His timeline, often aligning with significant moments in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 provide context for the events in 2 Samuel 21:9?

2. What can we learn from David's response to the famine about addressing past wrongs in our own lives?

3. In what ways does Rizpah's actions inspire us to advocate for justice and dignity today?

4. How does the principle of divine retribution, as seen in this passage, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed the consequences of a broken promise. How did it affect your relationship with God and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
This chapter provides the background of the Gibeonites' covenant with Israel, which Saul violated, leading to the events in 2 Samuel 21.

Deuteronomy 21:22-23
Discusses the law regarding the exposure of bodies after execution, which relates to the actions taken by the Gibeonites.

Romans 12:19
Emphasizes the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting human justice with divine justice.