2 Samuel 21:1

During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, "It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites."

Study Bible

During the reign of David
This phrase situates the narrative within the historical context of King David's rule over Israel. David's reign is often seen as a golden era for Israel, marked by military victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. The Hebrew word for "reign" (מָלַךְ, malak) implies not just ruling but also the responsibility of leadership under God's covenant. David's reign is a period where the king is expected to lead the nation in faithfulness to God, highlighting the importance of divine guidance in governance.

there was a famine
The occurrence of a famine in the land is significant in the biblical context, often seen as a sign of divine displeasure or a call to repentance. In the Hebrew Bible, famines are sometimes used by God to draw His people back to Him, as seen in the accounts of Joseph and Elijah. The Hebrew word for famine (רָעָב, ra'av) indicates a severe shortage of food, which would have had devastating effects on the agrarian society of ancient Israel, leading to economic hardship and social unrest.

for three successive years
The duration of the famine—three years—emphasizes its severity and the need for divine intervention. The number three in biblical numerology often signifies completeness or divine purpose. This prolonged period of hardship suggests that the issue at hand is not a natural occurrence but a spiritual matter that requires attention. It underscores the need for David to seek God's guidance to understand the underlying cause.

and David sought the face of the LORD
David's response to the famine is to seek God's guidance, demonstrating his role as a leader who prioritizes spiritual discernment. The phrase "sought the face of the LORD" (בִּקֵּשׁ פָּנִים יְהוָה, bikkesh panim YHWH) implies a deep, earnest prayer and desire for God's presence and wisdom. This act of seeking God's face is a model of humility and dependence on divine direction, reflecting the biblical principle that true leadership is rooted in a relationship with God.

The LORD said
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God, highlighting the prophetic nature of the narrative. In the Hebrew text, the use of the Tetragrammaton (יהוה, YHWH) signifies the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and authority. God's response to David's inquiry shows that He is attentive to the prayers of His people and willing to reveal His will to those who seek Him earnestly.

It is because of Saul and his bloodstained house
God's revelation points to the sin of Saul, Israel's first king, and the consequences of his actions. The term "bloodstained house" (בֵּית דָּמִים, beit damim) suggests a legacy of violence and injustice. Saul's failure to uphold the covenant with the Gibeonites, as recorded in Joshua 9, resulted in bloodguilt that affected the nation. This highlights the biblical principle that sin has communal and generational consequences, and justice must be addressed to restore divine favor.

because he put the Gibeonites to death
The specific mention of the Gibeonites underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness. The Gibeonites were non-Israelites who had made a treaty with Israel during Joshua's leadership. Saul's violation of this treaty by killing the Gibeonites was a grave sin, as it broke a sworn oath before God. This act of injustice required atonement, illustrating the biblical theme that God is a God of justice who holds His people accountable to their promises and covenants.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who seeks God's guidance during a national crisis.

2. The LORD
God, who reveals the cause of the famine to David.

3. Saul
The former King of Israel, whose actions against the Gibeonites have brought about the famine.

4. The Gibeonites
A group of people who were wronged by Saul, leading to the famine as divine retribution.

5. Famine
A severe shortage of food lasting three years, prompting David to seek divine insight.

Teaching Points

Seeking God's Guidance
David's response to the famine is to seek the Lord's face, demonstrating the importance of turning to God in times of crisis.

Consequences of Sin
Saul's actions against the Gibeonites have long-lasting effects, illustrating how sin can have repercussions beyond the immediate moment.

Covenant Faithfulness
The violation of the covenant with the Gibeonites highlights the importance of honoring commitments and the serious nature of breaking them.

Divine Justice
God's response to the injustice against the Gibeonites shows His commitment to justice and righteousness.

Intercession and Repentance
David's role in seeking resolution for the famine underscores the importance of intercession and seeking reconciliation with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's approach to the famine in 2 Samuel 21:1 serve as a model for seeking God's guidance in our own lives?

2. What can we learn from the consequences of Saul's actions regarding the importance of honoring our commitments and covenants?

3. In what ways does this passage illustrate the concept of divine justice, and how can we apply this understanding to our view of God's character?

4. How does the account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 provide context for the events in 2 Samuel 21:1, and what does it teach us about the importance of faithfulness?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did seeking God's guidance help you, and what steps can you take to ensure you seek His face in future challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
The Gibeonites' original covenant with Israel, which Saul violated, leading to the famine.

1 Samuel 15
Saul's disobedience to God, which sets a pattern of behavior that affects his legacy.

2 Samuel 24
Another instance where David seeks God's guidance during a national crisis, showing a pattern of reliance on divine wisdom.

Exodus 34:7
The concept of generational consequences for sin, relevant to the repercussions of Saul's actions.

Psalm 105:4
Encouragement to seek the Lord's face continually, as David does in this passage.