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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 21:3 So 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?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/21-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/10_2Sa_21_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 21:3 - David Avenges the Gibeonites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So 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?" /><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/21-3.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/21-3.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 3</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="/ad3.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/21-2.htm" title="2 Samuel 21:2">◄</a> 2 Samuel 21:3 <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm" title="2 Samuel 21:4">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />David asked the Gibeonites, &#8220What shall I do for you? How shall I make atonement so that you will bless the LORD&#8217s inheritance?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />David asked them, “What can I do for you? How can I make amends so that you will bless the LORD’s people again?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And how shall I make atonement, that you may bless the heritage of the LORD?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So 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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? And how can I make amends, so that you will bless the inheritance of the LORD?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Thus David said to the Gibeonites, &#8220What should I do for you? And how can I make atonement that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thus David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? And how can I make atonement that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? And how can I make atonement that you may bless the inheritance of Yahweh?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? How can I make it good so that you will bless the LORD’S inheritance (Israel)?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He asked the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? How can I make atonement so that you will bring a blessing on the LORD’s inheritance? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He asked the Gibeonites, &#8220What should I do for you? How can I make atonement so that you will bring a blessing on the LORD&#8217s inheritance?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of Jehovah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He said, "What can I do to make up for what Saul did, so that you'll ask the LORD to be kind to his people again?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />and asked them, "What can I do for you? What should I [give you] to make peace with you so that you will bless what belongs to the LORD?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So David summoned the people of Gibeon and said to them, "What can I do for you? I want to make up for the wrong that was done to you, so that you will bless the LORD's people." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So David asked the Gibeonites, "What am I to do for you? How am I to make atonement so that you will bless the LORD's heritage?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So 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??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David said to the Gibeonites, "What can I do for you, and how can I make amends so that you will bless the LORD's inheritance?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And David said to the Gibeonites, "What can I do for you? And how can I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore David said to the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and with what shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? And with what should I make atonement, that you may bless Yahweh’s inheritance?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />indeed, David says to the Gibeonites, “What do I do for you? And with what do I make atonement? And bless the inheritance of YHWH.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> yea, David saith unto the Gibeonites, 'What do I do for you? and with what do I make atonement? and bless ye the inheritance of Jehovah.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And David will say to the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and with what shall I expiate and bless ye the inheritance of Jehovah?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />David therefore said to the Gabaonites: What shall I do for you? and what shall be the atonement for you, that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, David said to the Gibeonites: “What shall I do for you? And what shall be your satisfaction, so that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />David said to the Gibeonites, “What must I do for you and how must I make atonement, that you may bless the heritage of the LORD?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How shall I make expiation, that you may bless the heritage of the LORD?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore David said to the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make an atonement to you, that you may bless the heritage of the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And David said to the Gebunites: “What shall I do for you and in what shall I make atonement for you?” And they blessed the inheritance of LORD JEHOVAH<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and David said unto the Gibeonites: 'What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And David said to the Gabaonites, What shall I do to you? and wherewithal shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/21-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=6412" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/21.htm">David Avenges the Gibeonites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>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.) <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><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.">So David</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/1393.htm" title="1393: hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Gibeon. Patrial from Gib'own; a Gibonite, or inhabitant of Gibon.">the Gibeonites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ’e·‘ĕ·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">shall I do</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">for you?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·ḇam·māh (Conj-w, Prep-b:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">How</a> <a href="/hebrew/3722.htm" title="3722: ’ă·ḵap·pêr (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to cover; figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel.">can I make amends</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: ū·ḇā·rə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Imp-mp) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">so that you may bless</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/5159.htm" title="5159: na·ḥă·laṯ (N-fsc) -- From nachal; properly, something inherited, i.e. occupancy, or an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion.">the inheritance</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>The Gibeonites said to him, “We need no silver or gold from Saul or his house, nor should you put to death anyone in Israel for us.” “Whatever you ask, I will do for you,” he replied.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/9-15.htm">Joshua 9:15-20</a></span><br />And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. / Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. / So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1-7</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a></span><br />And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-21.htm">1 Samuel 24:21-22</a></span><br />So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” / So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a></span><br />But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Genesis 21:23-24</a></span><br />Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” / And Abraham replied, “I swear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-12.htm">Exodus 34:12-15</a></span><br />Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. / Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. / For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/2-2.htm">Judges 2:2</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-8.htm">Psalm 105:8-10</a></span><br />He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— / the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. / He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-13.htm">Ezekiel 17:13-19</a></span><br />He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, / so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant. / But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a></span><br />Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a></span><br />Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why David said to the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and with which shall I make the atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?</p><p class="hdg">wherewith</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/32-30.htm">Exodus 32:30</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/1-4.htm">Leviticus 1:4</a></b></br> And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25</a></b></br> If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.</p><p class="hdg">bless</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">2 Samuel 20:19</a></b></br> I <i>am one of them that are</i> peaceable <i>and</i> faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/26-41.htm">Amends</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-8.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-10.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-39.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-43.htm">Expiation</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">Gibeonites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">Gib'eonites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-42.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-15.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-12.htm">Wrongs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/20-10.htm">Amends</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-49.htm">Atonement</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-47.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-45.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm">David</a> <a href="/romans/3-25.htm">Expiation</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm">Gibeonites</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-9.htm">Gib'eonites</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-51.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-36.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-6.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-21.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-59.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">Wrongs</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">The three year Gibeonite famine ceases, by hanging seven of Saul's sons.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/21-10.htm">Rizpah's kindness unto the dead</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in his father's tomb</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">Four battles against the Philistines, wherein four men of David slay four giants.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>So David asked the Gibeonites,</b><br>David's inquiry to the Gibeonites reflects his role as a mediator and leader seeking to resolve a national crisis. The Gibeonites were a group of people who had made a covenant with Israel during the time of Joshua (<a href="/joshua/9-3.htm">Joshua 9:3-15</a>). Despite their deceptive means to secure this covenant, it was binding, and Saul's violation of it by attempting to annihilate them brought a famine upon Israel. David's approach to the Gibeonites shows his commitment to justice and the importance of honoring covenants, even those made under false pretenses.<p><b>“What shall I do for you?</b><br>David's question indicates his willingness to make restitution and seek reconciliation. This reflects the biblical principle of making amends for wrongs committed, as seen in the laws of restitution in the Mosaic Law (<a href="/exodus/22.htm">Exodus 22:1-14</a>). It also highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration in relationships, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.<p><b>How can I make amends</b><br>The concept of making amends is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice and righteousness. In the Old Testament, making amends often involved restitution or compensation for wrongs done, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/6.htm">Leviticus 6:1-7</a>. David's desire to make amends underscores the need for repentance and reconciliation, which are central themes in the Bible.<p><b>so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?”</b><br>The "inheritance of the LORD" refers to the people of Israel, whom God chose as His own possession (<a href="/deuteronomy/9-29.htm">Deuteronomy 9:29</a>). David's concern for the blessing of the inheritance highlights the communal aspect of sin and its consequences. The famine affecting Israel was a result of Saul's sin against the Gibeonites, showing how the actions of leaders can impact the entire community. David's desire for the Gibeonites' blessing reflects the biblical principle that reconciliation and peace are necessary for God's favor and blessing to be restored upon His people. This also points to the broader theme of God's covenant faithfulness and the need for His people to live in accordance with His commands to experience His blessings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel, seeking to make amends for Saul's actions against the Gibeonites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gibeonites.htm">Gibeonites</a></b><br>A non-Israelite group who had a treaty with Israel, violated by Saul, leading to a famine as divine retribution.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The former King of Israel, whose actions against the Gibeonites caused a breach of covenant and subsequent famine.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance_of_the_lord.htm">Inheritance of the LORD</a></b><br>Refers to the people of Israel, whom David desires to see blessed and free from the famine.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_keeping_covenants.htm">The Importance of Keeping Covenants</a></b><br>David's actions highlight the importance of honoring agreements, even those made by previous generations. This teaches us the value of integrity and faithfulness in our commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_reconciliation.htm">Seeking Reconciliation</a></b><br>David's approach to the Gibeonites demonstrates the importance of seeking reconciliation and making amends for past wrongs. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to seek forgiveness and restoration in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/atonement_and_blessing.htm">Atonement and Blessing</a></b><br>The concept of atonement is central to this passage, as David seeks to restore God's blessing on Israel. This points to the greater atonement made by Christ, which brings ultimate reconciliation and blessing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>David's leadership is marked by his willingness to address past injustices and take responsibility for the nation's welfare. This serves as a model for Christian leaders to act justly and seek the good of those they lead.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_gad_the_seer_in_the_bible.htm">Why was there a famine during David's reign?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_achish_accept_david_in_1_sam_29.htm">How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_punish_all_for_saul's_sin.htm">In 2 Samuel 21:1, how can a just God hold an entire nation accountable with famine for Saul’s sin? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_gibeon's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What is Gibeon's significance in the Bible?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">Make the atonement.</span>--This is the same technical word as is used throughout the Law in connection with the propitiatory sacrifices. It means literally, <span class= "ital">to cover up, </span>and is here used in that literal sense. David asks what he can do to so <span class= "ital">cover up </span>the sin of Saul as to remove it from the sight of those against whom it had been committed--the Gibeonites as the earthly sufferers from it, and God Himself as the one against whom he had chiefly offended. Then might God's blessing again return to His people.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wherewith shall I make the atonement,</span> etc.? Literally the verb means to "cover up," the idea being that of a veil drawn over the offence to conceal it by means of a gift or offering. Thence gradually it attained to its religious idea of an expiation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/21-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Gibeonites,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגִּבְעֹנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1393.htm">Strong's 1393: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gibeonites -- inhabitants of Gibeon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall I do</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’e·‘ĕ·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for you?</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">How</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַמָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇam·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can I make amends</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲכַפֵּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḵap·pêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3722.htm">Strong's 3722: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that you may bless</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבָרְכ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇā·rə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the inheritance</span><br /><span class="heb">נַחֲלַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(na·ḥă·laṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5159.htm">Strong's 5159: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD?”</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/21-3.htm">2 Samuel 21:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/21-3.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 21:3 And David said to the Gibeonites What (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 21:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 21:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/21-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 21:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 21:4" /></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>