King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:11 in the King James Version says “And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done. — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

2 Samuel 21:11 · KJV


Context

9

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.

10

And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.

11

And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

12

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:

13

And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Famine and Giants, emphasizing justice, covenant obligations. The three-year famine traced to Saul's treaty violation demonstrates God's demand for covenant faithfulness and justice. The execution of Saul's descendants and Rizpah's faithful vigil over their bodies presents complex ethical questions. The Philistine giant battles demonstrate ongoing threats. Theological themes include multi-generational covenant obligations, the high cost of treaty violations, God's demand for justice, and His provision of strength for continued battles.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 21 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding justice, covenant obligations provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of justice, covenant obligations?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֻּגַּ֖ד1 of 10

And it was told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְדָוִ֑ד2 of 10

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֵ֧ת3 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָֽשְׂתָ֛ה5 of 10

had done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

רִצְפָּ֥ה6 of 10

what Rizpah

H7532

ritspah, an israelitess

בַת7 of 10

the daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אַיָּ֖ה8 of 10

of Aiah

H345

ajah, the name of two israelites

פִּלֶ֥גֶשׁ9 of 10

the concubine

H6370

a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour

שָׁאֽוּל׃10 of 10

of Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 21:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study