Old Testament
2 Samuel 21:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Deliver seven of his sons to us, and we will hang them before the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD chose. The king said, I will give them.
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Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them.
What 2 Samuel 21:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a request is made for seven sons of Saul to be handed over for execution. This act is tied to a previous covenant and the need for justice after a famine in the land. The king agrees to this request, showing his willingness to comply with the demands of the people and the divine order. The act of hanging them is a public display meant to appease the anger of the LORD and restore balance. It reflects the seriousness of sin and the consequences that can affect entire families and communities. This moment highlights the weight of leadership and the difficult choices that come with it. The king's decision is not just about punishment; it’s about seeking restoration and addressing the wrongs of the past. It serves as a reminder that actions have repercussions, and sometimes, the path to healing requires painful sacrifices. This story invites us to reflect on justice, mercy, and the complexities of our choices in the face of communal suffering and divine expectations.
How to apply 2 Samuel 21:6 to your life
When faced with difficult decisions, consider the broader impact of your choices on others. Reflect on how justice and mercy can coexist in your actions. Remember that leadership often involves making tough calls for the greater good, even when they are painful. Seek wisdom in navigating these challenges with compassion and integrity. Your choices can shape the community around you significantly, so choose wisely and thoughtfully.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of 2 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Samuel 21:6 mean?
2 Samuel 21:6 refers to a request for seven sons of Saul to be handed over for execution as a means of seeking justice after a famine. The king's agreement to this request highlights the seriousness of leadership decisions and the need to address past wrongs.
What is the significance of hanging in 2 Samuel 21:6?
The act of hanging the sons is a public display meant to appease the anger of the LORD and restore balance to the community. It symbolizes the consequences of sin and the lengths to which leaders may go to seek justice.
Why did the king agree to deliver the sons in 2 Samuel 21:6?
The king agreed to deliver the sons to comply with the demands of the people and to fulfill a divine order aimed at restoring justice after a time of suffering in the land.
What themes are present in 2 Samuel 21:6?
Key themes in this verse include justice, sacrifice, leadership, community, and divine order. It reflects the serious consequences of sin and the responsibilities of leaders to make tough decisions for the welfare of their people.
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