King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:9 in the King James Version says “And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 21:9 · KJV

Salvation

Context

7

But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.

8

But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: Michal: or, Michal's sister brought: Heb. bare to Adriel

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.

Read 2 Samuel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 18 words
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֞ם1 of 18

“And he delivered”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיַ֣ד2 of 18

“them into the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַגִּבְעֹנִ֗ים3 of 18

“of the Gibeonites”

H1393

a gibonite, or inhabitant of gibon

וַיֹּֽקִיעֻ֤ם4 of 18

“and they hanged”

H3363

properly, to sever oneself, i.e., (by implication) to be dislocated; figuratively, to abandon; causatively, to impale (and thus allow to drop to piece

בָּהָר֙5 of 18

“them in the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

לִפְנֵ֣י6 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּפְּל֥וּ8 of 18

“and they fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

שְׁבַעְתָּ֖ים9 of 18

“all seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָ֑חַד10 of 18

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וְהֵ֨םָּ11 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הֻֽמְת֜וּ12 of 18

“and were put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בִּימֵ֤י13 of 18

“in the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קְצִ֥יר14 of 18

“harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

בָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים15 of 18

“in the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

תְחִלַּ֖ת16 of 18

“days in the beginning”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

קְצִ֥יר17 of 18

“harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

שְׂעֹרִֽים׃18 of 18

“of barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

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 21:9 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 21:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 1:222 Samuel 6:21Exodus 20:52 Kings 24:3-4Numbers 35:31-342 Samuel 6:17

Places in This Verse

GibeonSettlement · Modern: El Jib · 31.85°N, 35.18°E39 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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