2 Samuel 21:2

At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)

Study Bible

So the king summoned the Gibeonites
This phrase introduces King David's initiative to address a lingering issue from the past. The Hebrew root for "summoned" (קרא, qara) implies a formal calling or invitation, indicating the seriousness of the matter. The Gibeonites, a group distinct from the Israelites, were historically significant as they had made a covenant with Israel during Joshua's time (Joshua 9). This summoning reflects David's role as a just ruler seeking to rectify past wrongs, emphasizing the importance of honoring covenants.

and spoke to them
The act of speaking here is not merely conversational but a diplomatic engagement. The Hebrew word for "spoke" (דבר, dabar) often conveys the idea of authoritative communication. David's approach to the Gibeonites shows his respect for them and his desire to resolve the issue peacefully. This highlights the biblical principle of seeking reconciliation and justice through dialogue.

Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites
This phrase underscores the ethnic and cultural distinction between the Gibeonites and the Israelites. The Gibeonites were part of the Canaanite tribes, specifically the Amorites, who were indigenous to the land before Israel's conquest. This distinction is crucial in understanding the historical context of the covenant made with them, which was meant to integrate them peacefully into Israelite society.

but a remnant of the Amorites
The term "remnant" (שארית, she'erit) suggests a surviving group, often used in the Bible to denote those who remain after a calamity or judgment. The Amorites were one of the prominent Canaanite tribes, and the Gibeonites' survival as a remnant indicates God's providence and the fulfillment of His plans despite human actions. This concept of a remnant is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing hope and continuity.

The Israelites had sworn an oath to them
The oath (שבועה, shevu'ah) was a solemn promise made by the Israelites to the Gibeonites, as recorded in Joshua 9. This covenant was binding before God, highlighting the sacredness of oaths in biblical times. The breaking of this oath by Saul, as mentioned later, brings about divine displeasure, teaching the importance of faithfulness and integrity in keeping one's word.

but Saul had sought to kill them
Saul's actions against the Gibeonites were a direct violation of the covenant, driven by misguided zeal. The Hebrew word for "sought" (בקש, baqash) implies an intentional pursuit, indicating Saul's deliberate attempt to annihilate the Gibeonites. This reflects the dangers of zeal without knowledge or respect for God's commands, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience.

in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah
The word "zeal" (קנאה, qinah) denotes fervor or passion, often associated with religious or nationalistic fervor. Saul's zeal, though intended for the benefit of Israel and Judah, was misplaced as it led to the breaking of a divine covenant. This highlights the biblical principle that true zeal for God must align with His will and commandments, emphasizing obedience over impulsive actions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King David
The king of Israel who seeks to address a famine in the land by consulting the Gibeonites.

2. Gibeonites
A non-Israelite group, specifically a remnant of the Amorites, who had a covenant with Israel.

3. Saul
The former king of Israel who violated the covenant with the Gibeonites by attempting to annihilate them.

4. Israelites
The people of Israel who had sworn an oath to the Gibeonites.

5. Amorites
An ancient people, of whom the Gibeonites were a remnant.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Keeping Covenants
God expects His people to honor their commitments, even when made under less-than-ideal circumstances. The covenant with the Gibeonites was binding despite being made through deception.

Consequences of Breaking Promises
Saul's actions against the Gibeonites led to a famine, illustrating that breaking promises can have severe consequences for individuals and communities.

Zeal Without Knowledge
Saul's zeal for Israel led him to act against God's will. Zeal must be guided by knowledge and obedience to God's commands.

Seeking Reconciliation
David's approach to resolving the issue with the Gibeonites shows the importance of seeking reconciliation and making amends for past wrongs.

God's Justice and Mercy
The account demonstrates God's justice in addressing the wrongs done to the Gibeonites and His mercy in providing a way to restore blessing to Israel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the covenant with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 inform our understanding of 2 Samuel 21:2, and what does it teach us about the importance of keeping our promises?

2. In what ways can zeal for a cause lead to actions that are contrary to God's will, as seen in Saul's actions against the Gibeonites?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking reconciliation, as demonstrated by David, in our own lives and relationships?

4. What are some modern-day examples of covenants or promises that Christians are called to honor, and how can we ensure we remain faithful to them?

5. How does the account of the Gibeonites and the Israelites illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy, and how can we reflect these attributes in our interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
This chapter details the original covenant made between the Israelites and the Gibeonites, highlighting the importance of oaths and covenants.

Exodus 20:16
The commandment against bearing false witness underscores the importance of truthfulness and keeping one's word.

Numbers 30:2
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of vows made before God, reinforcing the need to honor commitments.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Saul's disobedience to God is a recurring theme, showing the consequences of not following God's commands.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about the importance of keeping one's word, which ties back to the covenant with the Gibeonites.