2 Samuel 21:2

At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)

Study Bible

At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them.
David's summoning of the Gibeonites occurs during a time of famine, which is revealed to be a result of Saul's actions against them. This reflects David's role as a king who seeks to rectify past wrongs and restore justice. The Gibeonites were a group that had made a covenant with Israel during Joshua's leadership (Joshua 9), and David's actions here demonstrate the importance of honoring covenants, even those made under deceptive circumstances. This also highlights David's role as a mediator, a type of Christ who intercedes on behalf of others.

(Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites.
The Gibeonites are identified as a remnant of the Amorites, a group that inhabited Canaan before the Israelites. This distinction emphasizes their status as outsiders within Israel. The term "remnant" suggests survival despite adversity, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. The Amorites were one of the peoples God commanded Israel to drive out (Deuteronomy 7:1-2), yet the Gibeonites' survival and integration into Israelite society through a covenant show God's mercy and the complexity of His plans.

The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them,
This refers to the covenant made in Joshua 9, where the Israelites, led by Joshua, swore an oath to let the Gibeonites live, despite their deceptive approach. The oath was made in the name of the LORD, making it binding and sacred. This highlights the biblical principle that oaths made before God must be honored (Numbers 30:2). The importance of keeping one's word is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His promises.

but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)
Saul's actions against the Gibeonites were driven by a misguided zeal, which led to the breaking of the covenant. This reflects Saul's pattern of disobedience and impulsive decisions, which ultimately led to his downfall. His actions contrast with David's efforts to uphold justice and righteousness. Saul's zeal, while intended to protect Israel, resulted in sin and consequences for the nation, illustrating the dangers of zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2). Saul's failure to honor the covenant foreshadows the need for a true and faithful king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly upholds God's law and covenants.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King David
The king of Israel who seeks to address a famine in the land by consulting the Gibeonites.

2. Gibeonites
A non-Israelite group, specifically a remnant of the Amorites, who had a covenant with Israel.

3. Saul
The former king of Israel who violated the covenant with the Gibeonites by attempting to annihilate them.

4. Israelites
The people of Israel who had sworn an oath to the Gibeonites.

5. Amorites
An ancient people, of whom the Gibeonites were a remnant.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Keeping Covenants
God expects His people to honor their commitments, even when made under less-than-ideal circumstances. The covenant with the Gibeonites was binding despite being made through deception.

Consequences of Breaking Promises
Saul's actions against the Gibeonites led to a famine, illustrating that breaking promises can have severe consequences for individuals and communities.

Zeal Without Knowledge
Saul's zeal for Israel led him to act against God's will. Zeal must be guided by knowledge and obedience to God's commands.

Seeking Reconciliation
David's approach to resolving the issue with the Gibeonites shows the importance of seeking reconciliation and making amends for past wrongs.

God's Justice and Mercy
The account demonstrates God's justice in addressing the wrongs done to the Gibeonites and His mercy in providing a way to restore blessing to Israel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the covenant with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 inform our understanding of 2 Samuel 21:2, and what does it teach us about the importance of keeping our promises?

2. In what ways can zeal for a cause lead to actions that are contrary to God's will, as seen in Saul's actions against the Gibeonites?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking reconciliation, as demonstrated by David, in our own lives and relationships?

4. What are some modern-day examples of covenants or promises that Christians are called to honor, and how can we ensure we remain faithful to them?

5. How does the account of the Gibeonites and the Israelites illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy, and how can we reflect these attributes in our interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
This chapter details the original covenant made between the Israelites and the Gibeonites, highlighting the importance of oaths and covenants.

Exodus 20:16
The commandment against bearing false witness underscores the importance of truthfulness and keeping one's word.

Numbers 30:2
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of vows made before God, reinforcing the need to honor commitments.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Saul's disobedience to God is a recurring theme, showing the consequences of not following God's commands.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about the importance of keeping one's word, which ties back to the covenant with the Gibeonites.