King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:2 in the King James Version says “And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.)”

2 Samuel 21:2 · KJV

Context

1

Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. enquired: Heb. sought the face, etc

2

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.)

3

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?

4

And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. We will: or, It is not silver nor gold that we have to do with Saul or his house, neither pertains it to us to kill, etc

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.)

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 · 25 words
וַיִּקְרָ֥א1 of 25

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 25

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וְהַגִּבְעֹנִ֞ים3 of 25

“the Gibeonites”

H1393

a gibonite, or inhabitant of gibon

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר4 of 25

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם5 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהַגִּבְעֹנִ֞ים6 of 25

“the Gibeonites”

H1393

a gibonite, or inhabitant of gibon

לֹ֣א7 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לִבְנֵֽי8 of 25

“and the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הֵ֗מָּה10 of 25
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כִּ֚י11 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם12 of 25
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מִיֶּ֣תֶר13 of 25

“but of the remnant”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י14 of 25

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

לִבְנֵֽי15 of 25

“and the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל16 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נִשְׁבְּע֣וּ17 of 25

“had sworn”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לָהֶ֔ם18 of 25
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וַיְבַקֵּ֤שׁ19 of 25

“sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

שָׁאוּל֙20 of 25

“unto them and Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לְהַכֹּתָ֔ם21 of 25

“to slay”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בְּקַנֹּאת֥וֹ22 of 25

“them in his zeal”

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

לִבְנֵֽי23 of 25

“and the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל24 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וִֽיהוּדָֽה׃25 of 25

“and Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

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 21:2 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 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 9:3-21Luke 9:54-55Romans 10:2Deuteronomy 7:162 Kings 10:31Genesis 15:16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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