2 Samuel 21:13

So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged.

Study Bible

So he brought up
This phrase indicates an action of reverence and respect. The Hebrew root for "brought up" is "עלה" (alah), which often implies an ascent or elevation. In this context, it signifies the act of honoring the deceased by relocating their remains to a more dignified resting place. This action reflects the cultural and religious importance of proper burial in ancient Israel, where the treatment of the dead was closely tied to notions of honor and familial duty.

the bones of Saul
Saul, the first king of Israel, represents a complex figure in biblical history. His bones symbolize the remnants of a once-great leader whose life ended in tragedy. The retrieval of his bones signifies an act of reconciliation and respect for the anointed king, despite his failures. This act underscores the biblical theme of honoring God's anointed, even in death, and the importance of closure and respect for past leaders.

and of his son Jonathan
Jonathan, Saul's son, is remembered for his deep friendship with David and his loyalty to his father. The mention of Jonathan alongside Saul highlights the bond between father and son, as well as the enduring legacy of friendship and loyalty. In the Hebrew tradition, Jonathan's inclusion in this act of honor reflects the value placed on familial ties and the virtues of loyalty and love, which transcend even death.

from there
This phrase indicates the specific location from which the bones were retrieved. Historically, this refers to Jabesh-gilead, where the bodies of Saul and Jonathan were initially taken by the valiant men of Jabesh-gilead after their deaths in battle. This act of retrieval from Jabesh-gilead is significant, as it demonstrates the continued respect and gratitude of the Israelites towards Saul and Jonathan, acknowledging their past deliverance of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites.

and they gathered up
The act of gathering up the bones is a meticulous and respectful process, emphasizing the care and reverence given to the deceased. The Hebrew word "אסף" (asaph) conveys the idea of collecting or assembling, often used in contexts of gathering people or items of importance. This reflects the communal responsibility and collective memory of the Israelites in honoring their leaders.

the bones of those who had been hanged
This phrase refers to the seven descendants of Saul who were executed by the Gibeonites as a form of atonement for Saul's earlier transgressions against them. The gathering of their bones alongside those of Saul and Jonathan signifies a restoration of dignity and a communal act of reconciliation. It highlights the biblical principle of justice tempered with mercy, as well as the importance of restoring honor to those who have suffered dishonor, even in death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel, known for his heart after God, who seeks to honor the deceased Saul and Jonathan.

2. Saul
The first King of Israel, whose reign ended in tragedy and whose remains are being honored posthumously.

3. Jonathan
Saul's son and David's close friend, known for his loyalty and covenant with David.

4. The Gibeonites
A group who had a covenant with Israel, whose grievances led to the exposure of the bones.

5. Jabesh-gilead
The place from which David retrieved the bones of Saul and Jonathan, showing respect and closure.

Teaching Points

Respect for the Dead
David's actions demonstrate the importance of honoring those who have passed, reflecting a biblical principle of respect and dignity.

Covenant Loyalty
David's retrieval of Jonathan's bones underscores the value of keeping promises and honoring relationships, even after death.

Reconciliation and Justice
The act of gathering the bones can be seen as a step towards reconciliation and justice, addressing past grievances and restoring honor.

Leadership and Responsibility
David's initiative in this matter shows the role of a leader in addressing unresolved issues and setting a moral example.

Legacy and Remembrance
The passage encourages reflection on how we remember and honor those who have gone before us, impacting our own legacy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's action in retrieving the bones of Saul and Jonathan reflect his character and leadership qualities?

2. In what ways does this passage illustrate the importance of honoring covenants and relationships, even posthumously?

3. How can we apply the principle of reconciliation and justice in our own lives, as demonstrated by David's actions?

4. What does this passage teach us about the significance of burial practices and honoring the deceased in biblical times?

5. How can we ensure that we leave a legacy that honors God and respects others, as seen in David's treatment of Saul and Jonathan's remains?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 31
Describes the death of Saul and Jonathan, providing context for why their bones needed to be retrieved and honored.

2 Samuel 9
Highlights David's loyalty to Jonathan through his kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, showing David's commitment to his promises.

Genesis 50
Joseph's request to have his bones carried out of Egypt parallels the honoring of the deceased and the importance of burial practices in Israelite culture.