Old Testament

2 Samuel 21:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this passage, King David reaches out to the Gibeonites, a group that had been wronged despite a promise made by the Israelites.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written: Around 930 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites of the early monarchy

CBTClear Bible Translation

So the king summoned the Gibeonites to speak with them. Now, the Gibeonites weren't Israelites — they were survivors of the Amorites. The Israelites had sworn an oath to them, but Saul had tried to kill them in his zeal for Israel and Judah.

KJVKing James Version

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.)

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, King David reaches out to the Gibeonites, a group that had been wronged despite a promise made by the Israelites. The Gibeonites were not part of Israel; they were remnants of the Amorites. This situation highlights the importance of keeping promises and the consequences of failing to do so. Saul, in his fervor to protect Israel, had acted against the Gibeonites, which created a rift. David's decision to address this issue shows his commitment to justice and reconciliation. It reminds us that our actions can have lasting effects on others, especially when we break our word. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and the importance of honoring commitments, even to those outside our immediate community. It challenges us to reflect on our own relationships and the promises we make, urging us to act with integrity and compassion towards all people, regardless of their background or status. This moment in history teaches us about the weight of our choices and the importance of seeking peace.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply 2 Samuel 21:2 to your life

Consider the promises you make in your life. Are there commitments you've made that need to be honored or addressed? Reflect on how your actions impact others, especially those who may not be part of your immediate circle. Strive to act with integrity and seek to mend any broken relationships. Your efforts can lead to healing and understanding in your community.

Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 2 Samuel 21:2 mean?

This verse describes King David's interaction with the Gibeonites, highlighting the importance of keeping promises. Despite the Israelites' oath to protect them, Saul had wronged the Gibeonites, which created a need for reconciliation.

What is the significance of the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel 21:2?

The Gibeonites represent a group that was wronged despite having a covenant with Israel. Their situation emphasizes the consequences of breaking promises and the need for justice and accountability.

Why did Saul seek to kill the Gibeonites according to 2 Samuel 21:2?

Saul sought to kill the Gibeonites out of zeal for Israel and Judah, acting against the oath that the Israelites had made to protect them. This action created a conflict that David later sought to address.

What themes are present in 2 Samuel 21:2?

Key themes in this verse include justice, commitment, reconciliation, and integrity. It illustrates the importance of honoring commitments and the impact of one's actions on others.

Book Summary

The Book of 2 Samuel

2 Samuel 1: David Mourns Saul and Jonathan

The book of 2 Samuel opens with David at Ziklag, having just returned from his victory over the Amalekites. An Amalekite man arrives from Saul's camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head, bringing news of the battle at Mount Gilboa. He tells David that the Israelites have been defeated and that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead. To prove his story, he presents David with the crown and bracelet from Saul's arm. The man claims that he came upon the wounded Saul, who asked to be killed, and that he mercifully ended the king's life. He likely expects a reward for this news and for his role in the king's death.

David's reaction is one of profound grief, not triumph. He and his men tear their clothes and mourn, weep, and fast for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen army of Israel. David then questions the Amalekite, who identifies himself as a foreigner. David is horrified that this man would dare to kill the Lord's anointed. Instead of a reward, David orders one of his men to strike the Amalekite down, declaring that the man's own testimony has condemned him. The chapter concludes with David composing a beautiful and moving lament, "The Song of the Bow," in honor of Saul and his beloved friend Jonathan. The lament mourns the fall of Israel's mighty heroes and expresses David's deep personal sorrow, especially for Jonathan, whose love he describes as "wonderful, passing the love of women." 2 Samuel 2: David Anointed King of Judah After the period of mourning, David inquires of the Lord whether he should go up to one of the cities of Judah. The Lord directs him to go to Hebron. So David, along with his two wives and his loyal men and their families, moves to Hebron. There, the men of Judah come and formally anoint David as king over the house of Judah. David's first act as king is to send a message of blessing to the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had bravely recovered the bodies of Saul and his sons and given them a proper burial. Meanwhile, Abner, the commander of Saul's army, takes Saul's surviving son, Ish-bosheth, and makes him king over the rest of Israel from the city of Mahanaim, across the Jordan. This sets the stage for a civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. A tense standoff occurs at the pool of Gibeon between the forces of Joab (the commander of David's army) and the forces of Abner. Abner proposes a contest between twelve young men from each side, which quickly escalates into a deadly fight and then a full-blown battle. Abner's forces are defeated. During the pursuit, Joab's swift-footed brother, Asahel, relentlessly pursues Abner. Abner, not wanting to kill Asahel and create a blood feud with Joab, repeatedly warns him to turn aside, but Asahel refuses. In self-defense, Abner strikes Asahel with the butt end of his spear, killing him. The chapter ends with Joab and his men returning to Hebron after a day of fierce fighting.

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