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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 21:12 he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/21-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/10_2Sa_21_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 21:12 - David Avenges the Gibeonites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/21-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/21-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/21-11.htm" title="2 Samuel 21:11">◄</a> 2 Samuel 21:12 <a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm" title="2 Samuel 21:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/21.htm">New International Version</a> he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh Gilead. (They had stolen their bodies from the public square at Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them after they struck Saul down on Gilboa.) <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> he went to the people of Jabesh-gilead and retrieved the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan. (When the Philistines had killed Saul and Jonathan on Mount Gilboa, the people of Jabesh-gilead stole their bodies from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hung them.) <a href="/esv/2_samuel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, on the day the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa: <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/21.htm">New King James Version</a> Then David went and took the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son, from the men of Jabesh Gilead who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them up, after the Philistines had struck down Saul in Gilboa. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> then David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them on the day the Philistines struck and killed Saul in Gilboa. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> then David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the open square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them on the day the Philistines struck down Saul in Gilboa. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> then David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the open square of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them on the day the Philistines struck down Saul in Gilboa. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the open square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them on the day the Philistines struck down Saul in Gilboa. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then David went and took the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the open square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them on the day when the Philistines had killed Saul in Gilboa. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> he went and got the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh-gilead. They had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies the day the Philistines killed Saul at Gilboa. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> he went and got the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the leaders of Jabesh-gilead. They had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies the day the Philistines killed Saul at Gilboa. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines slew Saul in Gilboa; <a href="/erv/2_samuel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, which had stolen them from the street of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines slew Saul in Gilboa: <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David went and took the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh Gilead. They had stolen them from the public square of Beth Shean, where the Philistines had hung them the day they killed Saul at Gilboa. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> he went and got the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan from the people of Jabesh in Gilead. (They had stolen them from the public square in Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hanged the bodies on the day they killed Saul on Mount Gilboa.) <a href="/isv/2_samuel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> David had Saul's bones and the bones of his son Jonathan removed from the custody of certain men from Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square in Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them—that is, back on the day when the Philistines had killed Saul on Mount Gilboa. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. <a href="/net/2_samuel/21.htm">NET Bible</a> he went and took the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan from the leaders of Jabesh Gilead. (They had secretly taken them from the plaza at Beth Shan. It was there that Philistines publicly exposed their corpses after they had killed Saul at Gilboa.) <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then David went and obtained the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hung them on the day that the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa; <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa: <a href="/web/2_samuel/21.htm">World English Bible</a> So David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hanged them in the day that the Philistines killed Saul in Gilboa; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and David goes and takes the bones of Saul, and the bones of his son Jonathan, from the possessors of Jabesh-Gilead, who had stolen them from the broad place of Beth-Shan, where the Philistines hanged them, in the day of the Philistines striking Saul in Gilboa; <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and David goeth and taketh the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son, from the possessors of Jabesh-Gilead, who had stolen them from the broad place of Beth-Shan, where the Philistines hanged them, in the day of the Philistines smiting Saul in Gilboa; <a href="/slt/2_samuel/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And David will go and take the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan, his son, from the lords of Jabesh-Gilead, who stole them from the street of the House of Shan, where the rovers hung them there in the day the rovers struck Saul in Gilboa:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David went, and took the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabes Galaad, who had stolen them from the street of Bethsan, where the Philistines had hanged them when they had slain Saul in Gelboe. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul, and the bones of his son Jonathan, from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had suspended them after they had slain Saul at Gilboa. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/21.htm">New American Bible</a> he went and obtained the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan from the citizens of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them away secretly from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them at the time they defeated Saul on Gilboa. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the people of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hung them up, on the day the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from Rehab of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, on the day the Philistines slew Saul in the mountain of Gilboa; <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And David went and he took the bones of Shaul and the bones of Yonathan his son from the Masters of Yabish of Gelad that they had stolen from Rakhub of the house of Yashan where the Philistines hanged them on the day that the Philistines murdered Shaul in the mountain of Gelbua<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the broad place of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines slew Saul in Gilboa; <a href="/sep/2_samuel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David went and took the bones of Saul, and the bones of Jonathan his son, from the men of the sons of Jabis Galaad, who stole them from the street of Baethsan; for the Philistines set them there in the day in which the Philistines smote Saul in Gelbue. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/21-12.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=6536" 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> …11When David was told what Saul’s concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah, had done, 12<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and took</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: ‘aṣ·mō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame.">the bones</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.">of Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: ‘aṣ·mō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and his son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: mê·’êṯ (Prep-m:: DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘ă·lê (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3003.htm" title="3003: yā·ḇêš (N-proper-fs) -- A place in Gilead, also an Isr. The same as yabesh; Jobesh, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine.">of Jabesh-gilead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1568.htm" title="1568: gil·‘āḏ (N-proper-fs) -- Probably from Gal'ed; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1589.htm" title="1589: gā·nə·ḇū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To steal. A primitive root; to thieve; by implication, to deceive.">had stolen</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/7339.htm" title="7339: mê·rə·ḥōḇ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- A broad open place, plaza. Or rchowb; from rachab; a width, i.e. avenue or area.">from the public square</a> <a href="/hebrew/1052.htm" title="1052: bêṯ- (Prep) -- Or Beyth Shan; from bayith and sha'an; house of ease; Beth-Shean or Beth-Shan, a place in Palestine.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1052.htm" title="1052: šan (N-proper-fs) -- Or Beyth Shan; from bayith and sha'an; house of ease; Beth-Shean or Beth-Shan, a place in Palestine.">Beth-shan</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: hap·pə·liš·tīm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/8518.htm" title="8518: tå̄·lūm (V-Qal-Perf-3cp:: 3mp) -- To hang. A primitive root; to suspend.">had hung the bodies</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šå̄m (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bə·yō·wm (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">after</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: hak·kō·wṯ (V-Hifil-Inf) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">had struck down</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/1533.htm" title="1533: bag·gil·bō·a‘ (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- A mountain in N. Isr. From gal and ba'ah; fountain of ebullition; Gilboa, a mountain of Palestine.">at Gilboa.</a> 13So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged.…<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="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">1 Samuel 31:11-13</a> When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, / all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. / Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. <a href="/1_chronicles/10-11.htm">1 Chronicles 10:11-12</a> When all the people of Jabesh-gilead heard about everything the Philistines had done to Saul, / all their men of valor set out and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days. <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-10</a> Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. ... <a href="/1_samuel/17-54.htm">1 Samuel 17:54</a> David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent. <a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">2 Samuel 2:4-7</a> Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” / So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this. ... <a href="/2_samuel/1-20.htm">2 Samuel 1:20-21</a> Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. / O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. <a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">1 Samuel 18:6-7</a> As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” <a href="/2_samuel/3-32.htm">2 Samuel 3:32-34</a> When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept. / And the king sang this lament for Abner: “Should Abner die the death of a fool? / Your hands were not bound, your feet were not fettered. As a man falls before the wicked, so also you fell.” And all the people wept over him even more. <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">2 Samuel 4:10-12</a> when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news! / How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!” / So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron. <a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">2 Samuel 5:1-3</a> Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. <a href="/matthew/14-12.htm">Matthew 14:12</a> Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus. <a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Acts 13:36</a> For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay. <a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32</a> And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, <a href="/matthew/1-6.htm">Matthew 1:6</a> and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, <a href="/acts/2-29.htm">Acts 2:29</a> Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:the bones of Saul<a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">2 Samuel 2:5-7</a> And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him… <a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">1 Samuel 31:11-13</a> And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; … Beth-shan<a href="/joshua/17-11.htm">Joshua 17:11</a> And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.Beth-shean<a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">1 Samuel 31:10</a> And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.in Gilboa<a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">2 Samuel 1:6,21</a> And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him… <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">1 Samuel 28:4</a> And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.<a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1</a> Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Bethshan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Beth-Shan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-12.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-12.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Gilboa</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Gilbo'a</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-26.htm">Gilead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-9.htm">Hanged</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">Jabeshgilead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">Jabesh-Gilead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">Ja'besh-Gil'ead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-9.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-23.htm">Open</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-15.htm">Public</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-11.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Shan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-7.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/judges/19-20.htm">Square</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-26.htm">Street</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm">Struck</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/4-9.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Bethshan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Beth-Shan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-20.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-1.htm">Gilboa</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-1.htm">Gilbo'a</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-6.htm">Gilead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm">Hanged</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-10.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-11.htm">Jabeshgilead</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-11.htm">Jabesh-Gilead</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-11.htm">Ja'besh-Gil'ead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-16.htm">Open</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-7.htm">Public</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">Shan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-16.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-18.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-20.htm">Square</a> <a href="/job/21-18.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-43.htm">Street</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm">Struck</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'; 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Saul, the first king of Israel, and Jonathan, his son and David's close friend, had fallen in battle against the Philistines. David's retrieval of their bones signifies respect and reconciliation, highlighting the importance of proper burial in ancient Israelite culture. It also reflects David's loyalty and the covenantal friendship he shared with Jonathan (<a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a>).from the men of Jabesh-gilead The men of Jabesh-gilead had a history of loyalty to Saul. When Saul first became king, he rescued Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11). In gratitude, they later risked their lives to retrieve the bodies of Saul and his sons from the Philistines. This act of bravery and loyalty underscores the deep bonds of kinship and gratitude in Israelite society.who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan Beth-shan was a significant city in the region, strategically located at the junction of the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys. The Philistines displayed the bodies of Saul and his sons in Beth-shan as a public humiliation and a demonstration of their victory. The retrieval of the bodies by the men of Jabesh-gilead was a courageous act, defying the Philistines and restoring honor to Saul and his family.where the Philistines had hung the bodies The hanging of the bodies was a common practice in the ancient Near East to disgrace enemies and deter others. It was a public declaration of triumph over a defeated foe. This act by the Philistines was intended to demoralize the Israelites and assert Philistine dominance.after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa The battle at Mount Gilboa was a significant defeat for Israel, resulting in the death of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31). This event marked the end of Saul's reign and paved the way for David's ascension to the throne. The location, Gilboa, is a mountainous region, and its mention here serves as a geographical marker of this pivotal battle in Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel who sought to honor Saul and Jonathan by retrieving their bones for a proper burial. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first King of Israel, whose death marked a significant transition in Israel's monarchy. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> Saul's son and David's close friend, known for his loyalty and bravery. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jabesh-gilead.htm">Jabesh-gilead</a> A city in Israel whose men bravely retrieved the bodies of Saul and Jonathan from the Philistines. 5. <a href="/topical/b/beth-shan.htm">Beth-shan</a> The location where the Philistines displayed the bodies of Saul and Jonathan after their defeat at Mount Gilboa. 6. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The enemies of Israel who defeated Saul and his sons, displaying their bodies as a sign of victory.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_the_dead.htm">Respect for the Dead</a> David's actions demonstrate the importance of honoring those who have passed, reflecting a deep respect for the deceased and their families. <a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_friendship.htm">Loyalty and Friendship</a> The relationship between David and Jonathan serves as a model of true friendship and loyalty, even beyond death. <a href="/topical/c/courage_and_honor.htm">Courage and Honor</a> The men of Jabesh-gilead exemplify bravery and honor by risking their lives to retrieve the bodies of Saul and Jonathan. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership_transitions.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions</a> The transition from Saul to David as king illustrates God's hand in leadership changes and the fulfillment of His plans. <a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_forgiveness.htm">Reconciliation and Forgiveness</a> David's actions towards Saul's family show a heart of reconciliation and forgiveness, despite Saul's previous attempts on David's life.<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/did_dogs_literally_eat_jezebel's_body.htm">Could dogs literally devour Jezebel’s body as described in 2 Kings 9:33–35, or might this be symbolic hyperbole? </a> <a href="/q/why_delay_burial_in_2_sam_21_9.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:9, how is the extended exposure of the corpses justified when Deuteronomy 21:22–23 calls for prompt burial? </a> <a href="/q/how_many_famine_years_for_david.htm">God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine? Seven (2 Samuel 24:13) Three (I Chronicles 21:12)</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_goliath's_death_accounts.htm">How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 21:19 (attributing Goliath's death to Elhanan) with David's victory 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>(12) Took the bones of Saul.--Moved by the story of Rizpah's tender care, and wishing to show that he cherished no enmity against the house of Saul, David buried honourably the remains of Saul and of his descendants. In <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm" title="And they put his armor in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.">1Samuel 31:10</a> it is said that the Philistines fastened the body of Saul "to the wall of Beth-shan;" here, that the men of Jabesh-gilead took them secretly from the street. The two statements are quite consistent, for the exact place where the Philistines hung up to public view the body of the slain and defeated monarch was the broad space or square, just inside the gate, where the people were wont to gather; and it was from the same place that they were taken. Most MSS. of the LXX. add to the previous verse: "And they were taken down, and Dan the son of Joa, of the descendants of the giant, took them down."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - The street of Beth-shan; Hebrew, the broad place, or square, just inside the gate, where the citizens met for business. It was upon the wall of this square that the Philistines had hanged the bodies of Saul and of his sons (<a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12</a>). The men of Jabesh-Gilead; Hebrew, the lords or owners of Jabesh-Gilead. The phrase occurs also in <a href="/1_samuel/23-11.htm">1 Samuel 23:11, 12</a> of the citizens of Keilah, and is found also in the Books of Joshua and Judges. (For the brave exploit of these men in rescuing the bodies of their king and his sons, see <a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">1 Samuel 31:11-13</a>; and for David's generous approval, <a href="/2_samuel/2-5.htm">2 Samuel 2:5</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/21-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>he דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse went וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and took וַיִּקַּ֞ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take the bones עַצְמ֤וֹת (‘aṣ·mō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6106.htm">Strong's 6106: </a> A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame of 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 and his son בְּנ֔וֹ (bə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son Jonathan יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites from מֵאֵ֕ת (mê·’êṯ) Preposition-m | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case the men בַּעֲלֵ֖י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner of Jabesh-gilead, יָבֵ֣ישׁ (yā·ḇêš) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3003.htm">Strong's 3003: </a> Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite [who] אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had stolen גָּנְב֨וּ (gā·nə·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1589.htm">Strong's 1589: </a> To thieve, to deceive them אֹתָ֜ם (’ō·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case from the public square מֵרְחֹ֣ב (mê·rə·ḥōḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7339.htm">Strong's 7339: </a> A broad open place, plaza of בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Beth-shan שַׁ֗ן (šan) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1052.htm">Strong's 1052: </a> Beth-shean -- 'place of quiet', a place in Manasseh, West of the Jordan where אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the Philistines פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia had hung [the bodies] תְּלָא֥וּם (tə·lā·’ūm) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8518.htm">Strong's 8518: </a> To suspend after בְּי֨וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day [they] פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים (pə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia had struck down הַכּ֧וֹת (hak·kō·wṯ) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike Saul שָׁא֖וּל (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 at Gilboa. בַּגִּלְבֹּֽעַ׃ (bag·gil·bō·a‘) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1533.htm">Strong's 1533: </a> Gilboa -- a mountain in Northern Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 21:12 David went and took the bones (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/21-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 21:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 21:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/21-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 21:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 21:13" /></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>