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The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/21-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/10_2Sa_21_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 21:2 - David Avenges the Gibeonites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. 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(Now the Gibeonites were not a part of Israel but were survivors of the Amorites; the Israelites had sworn to spare them, but Saul in his zeal for Israel and Judah had tried to annihilate them.) <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> So the king summoned the Gibeonites. They were not part of Israel but were all that was left of the nation of the Amorites. The people of Israel had sworn not to kill them, but Saul, in his zeal for Israel and Judah, had tried to wipe them out. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the people of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites. Although the people of Israel had sworn to spare them, Saul had sought to strike them down in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.) <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/21.htm">New King James Version</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; the children of Israel had sworn protection to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the sons of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites, and the sons of Israel had made a covenant with them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah). <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the sons of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites, and the sons of Israel made a covenant with them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah). <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the sons of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites, and the sons of Israel made a covenant with them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah). <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the sons of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites, and the sons of Israel made a covenant with them, but Saul had sought to strike them down in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah). <a href="/amp/2_samuel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the sons (descendants) of Israel but of the remnant (survivors) of the Amorites. The Israelites had sworn [an oath] to [spare] them, but Saul in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah had sought to strike down the Gibeonites). <a href="/csb/2_samuel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Gibeonites were not Israelites but rather a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but Saul had tried to kill them in his zeal for the Israelites and Judah. So David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Gibeonites were not Israelites but rather a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but Saul had tried to kill them in his zeal for the Israelites and Judah. So David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah); <a href="/cev/2_samuel/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Gibeonites were not Israelites; they were descendants of the Amorites. The people of Israel had promised not to kill them, but Saul had tried to kill them because he wanted Israel and Judah to control all the land. David had the Gibeonites come, and he talked with them. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah:) <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> (The Gibeonites were not a part of Israel but were left over from the Amorites. Although the Israelites had sworn [to spare them], Saul, in his eagerness, tried to destroy them for Israel and Judah.) The king called the Gibeonites <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> The people of Gibeon were not Israelites; they were a small group of Amorites whom the Israelites had promised to protect, but Saul had tried to destroy them because of his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah.) <a href="/isv/2_samuel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> So the king called together the Gibeonites and conferred with them. Now the Gibeonites weren't part of the nation of Israel, but were the survivors from the Amorites. Although the Israelis had promised to spare them, Saul had started to execute them in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.) <a href="/net/2_samuel/21.htm">NET Bible</a> So the king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke with them. (Now the Gibeonites were not descendants of Israel; they were a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had made a promise to them, but Saul tried to kill them because of his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah.) <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So the king summoned the Gibeonites, and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites. And the children of Israel had sworn to them, but Saul sought to exterminate them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah.) <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the king called the Gibeonites, and said to them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to slay them, in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) <a href="/web/2_samuel/21.htm">World English Bible</a> The king called the Gibeonites and said to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites, and the children of Israel had sworn to them; and Saul sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah); <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the king calls for the Gibeonites and says to them—as for the Gibeonites, they [are] not of the sons of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorite, and the sons of Israel had sworn to them, and Saul seeks to strike them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah— <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the king calleth for the Gibeonites, and saith unto them -- as to the Gibeonites, they are not of the sons of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorite, and the sons of Israel had sworn to them, and Saul seeketh to smite them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah -- <a href="/slt/2_samuel/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the king will call for the Gibeonites, and say to them; (and the Gibeonites not of the sons of Israel, but they from the remainder of the Amorites; and the sons of Israel sware to them: and Saul will seek to strike them in his jealousy for the sons of Israel and Judah.)<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then the king, calling for the Gabaonites, said to them: (Now the Gabaonites were not of the children of Israel, but the remains of the Amorrhites: and the children of Israel had sworn to them, and Saul sought to slay them out of zeal, as it were for the children of Israel and Juda:) <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, the king, calling for the Gibeonites, spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the sons of Israel, but were the remnant of the Amorites. And the sons of Israel had sworn an oath to them, but Saul wished to strike them in zeal, as if on behalf of the sons of Israel and Judah. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/21.htm">New American Bible</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but survivors of the Amorites; and although the Israelites had given them their oath, Saul had sought to kill them off in his zeal for the Israelites and for Judah.) <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not of the people of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; although the people of Israel had sworn to spare them, Saul had tried to wipe them out in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah.)<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So the king called the Gibeonites and said to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them, and Saul had sought to slay them in his zeal to cause the children of Israel and Judah to sin), <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the King called the Gebunites and spoke to them, and the Gebunites were not from the children of Israel, but from the remnant, those of the Amorites, and the children of Israel swore to them, and Shaul desired to kill them, as he was zealous to make the children of Israel and the children of Yehuda sin<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them--now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them; and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah-- <a href="/sep/2_samuel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And King David called the Gabaonites, and said to them; - (now the Gabaonites are not the children of Israel, but are of the remnant of the Amorite, and the children of Israel had sworn to them: but Saul sought to smite them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Juda.) <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/21-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=6393" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/21.htm">David Avenges the Gibeonites</a> 1During 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.” 2<a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">At this, David</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">summoned</a> <a href="/hebrew/1393.htm" title="1393: wə·hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Gibeon. Patrial from Gib'own; a Gibonite, or inhabitant of Gibon.">the Gibeonites</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and spoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1393.htm" title="1393: lag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Gibeon. Patrial from Gib'own; a Gibonite, or inhabitant of Gibon.">(Now the Gibeonites</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: mib·bə·nê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">Israelites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: mî·ye·ṯer (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">a remnant</a> <a href="/hebrew/567.htm" title="567: hā·’ĕ·mō·rî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps mountain dwellers, a Canaanite tribe. ">of the Amorites.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇə·nê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">The Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: niš·bə·‘ū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">had taken an oath concerning them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep-l:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7065.htm" title="7065: bə·qan·nō·ṯōw (Prep-b:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- To be jealous or zealous. A primitive root; to be zealous, i.e. jealous or envious.">but in his zeal</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê- (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">for Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: wî·hū·ḏāh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">and Judah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: way·ḇaq·qêš (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">had sought</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: lə·hak·kō·ṯām (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">to kill them.)</a> 3So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/9-3.htm">Joshua 9:3-27</a> But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, / acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. / They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2</a> and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. <a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Exodus 23:32</a> You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. <a href="/judges/2-1.htm">Judges 2:1-3</a> Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I had promised to your fathers, and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you, / and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? / So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-2.htm">1 Samuel 15:2-3</a> This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">1 Samuel 22:18-19</a> So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. / He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. <a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Numbers 27:21</a> He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” <a href="/joshua/11-19.htm">Joshua 11:19-20</a> No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle. / For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses. <a href="/1_kings/9-20.htm">1 Kings 9:20-21</a> As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)— / their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1-3</a> Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” / And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. / So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” <a href="/1_chronicles/9-1.htm">1 Chronicles 9:1</a> So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. <a href="/nehemiah/9-8.htm">Nehemiah 9:8</a> You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites—to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous. <a href="/ezekiel/16-3.htm">Ezekiel 16:3</a> and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says to Jerusalem: Your origin and your birth were in the land of the Canaanites. Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. <a href="/matthew/15-24.htm">Matthew 15:24</a> He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” <a href="/acts/7-45.htm">Acts 7:45</a> And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the king called the Gibeonites, and said to them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)now the<a href="/joshua/9-3.htm">Joshua 9:3-21</a> And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, … <a href="/joshua/6-19.htm">Joshua 6:19</a> But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.<a href="/genesis/15-16.htm">Genesis 15:16</a> But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.in his zeal<a href="/deuteronomy/7-16.htm">Deuteronomy 7:16</a> And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee.<a href="/1_samuel/14-44.htm">1 Samuel 14:44</a> And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.<a href="/1_samuel/15-8.htm">1 Samuel 15:8,9</a> And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/13-25.htm">Although</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-14.htm">Amorites</a> <a href="/daniel/11-44.htm">Annihilate</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">Gibeonites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-9.htm">Gib'eonites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-5.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-32.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-12.htm">Last</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">Part</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-28.htm">Passion</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-15.htm">Remnant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-37.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-33.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/judges/21-17.htm">Survivors</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-9.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/numbers/25-11.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/23-5.htm">Although</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-19.htm">Amorites</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-23.htm">Annihilate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-16.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-3.htm">Gibeonites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-3.htm">Gib'eonites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-13.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">Last</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-5.htm">Part</a> <a href="/job/6-2.htm">Passion</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-23.htm">Remnant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-51.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-11.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-36.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-31.htm">Survivors</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-17.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-31.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-16.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 21</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">The three year Gibeonite famine ceases, by hanging seven of Saul's sons.</a> 10. <a href="/2_samuel/21-10.htm">Rizpah's kindness unto the dead</a> 12. <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in his father's tomb</a> 15. <a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">Four battles against the Philistines, wherein four men of David slay four giants.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. David's summoning of the Gibeonites occurs during a time of famine, which is revealed to be a result of Saul's actions against them. This reflects David's role as a king who seeks to rectify past wrongs and restore justice. The Gibeonites were a group that had made a covenant with Israel during Joshua's leadership (Joshua 9), and David's actions here demonstrate the importance of honoring covenants, even those made under deceptive circumstances. This also highlights David's role as a mediator, a type of Christ who intercedes on behalf of others.(Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Gibeonites are identified as a remnant of the Amorites, a group that inhabited Canaan before the Israelites. This distinction emphasizes their status as outsiders within Israel. The term "remnant" suggests survival despite adversity, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. The Amorites were one of the peoples God commanded Israel to drive out (<a href="/deuteronomy/7.htm">Deuteronomy 7:1-2</a>), yet the Gibeonites' survival and integration into Israelite society through a covenant show God's mercy and the complexity of His plans.The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, This refers to the covenant made in <a href="/joshua/9.htm">Joshua 9</a>, where the Israelites, led by Joshua, swore an oath to let the Gibeonites live, despite their deceptive approach. The oath was made in the name of the LORD, making it binding and sacred. This highlights the biblical principle that oaths made before God must be honored (<a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>). The importance of keeping one's word is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His promises.but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) Saul's actions against the Gibeonites were driven by a misguided zeal, which led to the breaking of the covenant. This reflects Saul's pattern of disobedience and impulsive decisions, which ultimately led to his downfall. His actions contrast with David's efforts to uphold justice and righteousness. Saul's zeal, while intended to protect Israel, resulted in sin and consequences for the nation, illustrating the dangers of zeal without knowledge (<a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2</a>). Saul's failure to honor the covenant foreshadows the need for a true and faithful king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly upholds God's law and covenants.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a> The king of Israel who seeks to address a famine in the land by consulting the Gibeonites. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gibeonites.htm">Gibeonites</a> A non-Israelite group, specifically a remnant of the Amorites, who had a covenant with Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The former king of Israel who violated the covenant with the Gibeonites by attempting to annihilate them. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel who had sworn an oath to the Gibeonites. 5. <a href="/topical/a/amorites.htm">Amorites</a> An ancient people, of whom the Gibeonites were a remnant.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_keeping_covenants.htm">The Importance of Keeping Covenants</a> 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. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_breaking_promises.htm">Consequences of Breaking Promises</a> Saul's actions against the Gibeonites led to a famine, illustrating that breaking promises can have severe consequences for individuals and communities. <a href="/topical/z/zeal_without_knowledge.htm">Zeal Without Knowledge</a> 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. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_reconciliation.htm">Seeking Reconciliation</a> David's approach to resolving the issue with the Gibeonites shows the importance of seeking reconciliation and making amends for past wrongs. <a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 21</a> <a href="/q/why_does_david_allow_saul's_heirs'_execution.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:5–6, why does David permit the execution of Saul’s descendants if Deuteronomy 24:16 forbids punishing children for a parent’s wrongdoing? </a> <a href="/q/why_a_famine_in_david's_reign.htm">Why was there a famine during David's reign?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_gibeonites.htm">What is the identity of the Gibeonites?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_elhanan_kill_goliath,_not_david.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:19, how could Elhanan have killed Goliath when David is credited with that feat in 1 Samuel 17?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) For his bloody house.--Better, for the blood-guilty house. Saul's family and descendants are regarded, according to the universal ideas of the times, as sharers in his guilt. The story of the Gibeonites and of Joshua's league with them is told in Joshua 9, but Saul's attempt to destroy them is mentioned only here. It is plain, from what is said of them in <a href="/2_samuel/21-8.htm" title="But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:">2Samuel 21:8</a>, that they had never become incorporated with the Israelites by circumcision, but remained a distinct people. Saul's sin consisted in the violation of the solemn oath, in the Lord's name, by which the nation of Israel was bound to the Gibeonites. "His zeal" in that case was of the same ungodly character with many other acts of his reign, in which pride, arrogance, and self-will were cloaked under a zeal for God's honour and His people's welfare.The Amorites.--More precisely, the Gibeonites were Hivites (<a href="/joshua/9-7.htm" title="And the men of Israel said to the Hivites, Peradventure you dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?">Joshua 9:7</a>); but they are called Amorites (=mountaineers) as a frequent general name for the old people of Palestine.Two questions are often asked in connection with this narrative: (1) Why the punishment of Saul's sin should have been so long delayed? and (2) why it should at last have fallen upon David and his people, who had no share in the commission of the sin? The answer to both questions is in the fact that Israel both sinned and was punished as a nation. Saul slew the Gibeonites, not simply as the son of Kish, but as the king of Israel, and therefore involved all Israel with him in the violation of the national oath; and hence, until the evil should be put away by the execution of the immediate offender or his representatives, all Israel must suffer. The lesson of the continuity of the nation's life, and of its continued responsibility from age to age, was greatly enhanced by the delay. Besides this, there were so many other grievous sins for which Saul was to be punished, that it was hardly possible to bring out during his lifetime the special Divine displeasure at this one.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Saul sought to slay them in his zeal. We gather from various incidental circumstances that Saul, in some part of his reign, manifested great zeal in an attempt to carry out literally the enactments of the Levitical Law; but he seems to have done so with the same ferocity as that which he displayed in slaughtering the priests at Nob with their wives and children. Thus he had put to death wizards and all who dealt with familiar spirits (<a href="/1_samuel/28-9.htm">1 Samuel 28:9</a>), in accordance with <a href="/exodus/22-18.htm">Exodus 22:18</a> and <a href="/leviticus/20-6.htm">Leviticus 20:6</a>. In the same way he seems to have tried to exterminate the aboriginal inhabitants of Palestine, in accordance with <a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2</a>, and had especially massacred a large number of Gibeonites, in violation of the covenant made with them by Joshua and all Israel (<a href="/joshua/9-3.htm">Joshua 9:3, 15-27</a>). And as he would thus acquire "fields and vineyards" robbed from them to give to his captains, his conduct was probably popular, and the cause of a general system of wrong and oppression practised upon all the natives. It had thus become a national sin, and as such was punished by a national calamity. Amorites; that is highlanders, mountaineers. Strictly they were Hivites (<a href="/joshua/9-7.htm">Joshua 9:7</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/21-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>At this, David הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king summoned וַיִּקְרָ֥א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read the Gibeonites וְהַגִּבְעֹנִ֞ים (wə·hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1393.htm">Strong's 1393: </a> Gibeonites -- inhabitants of Gibeon and spoke וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to them. אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to (Now the Gibeonites לַגִּבְעֹנִ֖ים (lag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1393.htm">Strong's 1393: </a> Gibeonites -- inhabitants of Gibeon were הֵ֗מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no Israelites, מִבְּנֵ֧י (mib·bə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son but כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction a remnant מִיֶּ֣תֶר (mî·ye·ṯer) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope of the Amorites. הָאֱמֹרִ֔י (hā·’ĕ·mō·rî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_567.htm">Strong's 567: </a> Amorites -- perhaps 'mountain dwellers', a Canaanite tribe The Israelites וּבְנֵ֤י (ū·ḇə·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son had taken an oath concerning them, נִשְׁבְּע֣וּ (niš·bə·‘ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> To seven oneself, swear but in his zeal בְּקַנֹּאת֥וֹ (bə·qan·nō·ṯōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7065.htm">Strong's 7065: </a> To be, zealous, jealous, envious for Israel לִבְנֵֽי־ (liḇ·nê-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and Judah, וִיהוּדָֽה׃ (wî·hū·ḏāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites Saul שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites had sought וַיְבַקֵּ֤שׁ (way·ḇaq·qêš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after to kill them.) לְהַכֹּתָ֔ם (lə·hak·kō·ṯām) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 21:2 The king called the Gibeonites and said (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 21:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 21:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/21-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 21:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 21:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>