2 Samuel 21:5

And they answered the king, "As for the man who consumed us and plotted against us to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel,

Study Bible

And they answered the king
This phrase indicates a response to King David, who is seeking to resolve a famine in the land. The context is a dialogue between David and the Gibeonites, a group that had been wronged by Saul. The king here is David, who is known for his heart after God and his desire to uphold justice and righteousness in Israel. This interaction highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation and justice, even for past wrongs.

As for the man who consumed us
The "man" referred to is King Saul, who had previously attempted to annihilate the Gibeonites. This phrase underscores Saul's aggressive actions against them, which were in violation of a covenant made during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9). The term "consumed" suggests a complete and utter destruction, reflecting the severity of Saul's actions. This highlights the biblical principle of the sanctity of covenants and the consequences of breaking them.

and plotted against us
This indicates premeditated actions by Saul against the Gibeonites. The use of "plotted" suggests intentional and strategic planning to harm them. This reflects Saul's disregard for the covenant and his prioritization of nationalistic zeal over divine commands. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of allowing personal or political motives to override God's laws.

to exterminate us from existing
The phrase "to exterminate us" emphasizes the genocidal intent behind Saul's actions. This reflects the historical context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where complete destruction of enemies was often sought. It also highlights the severity of Saul's sin, as it was not just an attack but an attempt to completely erase the Gibeonites' presence and identity.

within any border of Israel
This phrase indicates the geographical scope of Saul's intended destruction, aiming to remove the Gibeonites from all of Israel. It underscores the idea of territorial purity that Saul might have been pursuing, which was contrary to God's inclusive covenant with the Gibeonites. This also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's concern for justice and protection of the marginalized, as seen in various laws and narratives throughout the Old Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Gibeonites
A group of people who were not Israelites but had a treaty with Israel. They were wronged by Saul, who sought to annihilate them, breaking the covenant made during Joshua's time.

2. King David
The king of Israel at the time, who sought to make amends for Saul's actions against the Gibeonites to end a famine in the land.

3. Saul
The former king of Israel, who violated the treaty with the Gibeonites by attempting to destroy them, leading to divine retribution in the form of a famine.

4. Israel
The nation experiencing a famine as a consequence of Saul's actions against the Gibeonites, highlighting the importance of covenant faithfulness.

5. The Famine
A three-year famine in Israel, seen as a divine response to Saul's breach of the covenant with the Gibeonites.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
God takes covenants seriously, and breaking them can have severe consequences. We must honor our commitments, both to God and others.

The Consequences of Sin
Saul's actions had long-lasting effects on the nation of Israel. Our sins can have broader implications than we might realize.

Seeking Reconciliation
David's response to the famine was to seek reconciliation and make amends. We should strive to rectify wrongs and seek peace in our relationships.

Divine Justice and Mercy
God's justice is evident in the famine, but His mercy is shown in providing a way to resolve the issue. We should trust in God's justice and seek His mercy.

Leadership Responsibility
As leaders, our actions can impact those we lead. We must act with integrity and seek God's guidance in our decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Gibeonites and Saul illustrate the importance of keeping promises and covenants in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we seek reconciliation and make amends for past wrongs, as David did with the Gibeonites?

3. How do the consequences of Saul's actions remind us of the broader impact our sins can have on others?

4. What can we learn from David's leadership in addressing the famine and seeking God's guidance?

5. How does this passage challenge us to trust in God's justice and seek His mercy in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
This chapter details the original covenant made between the Israelites and the Gibeonites, which Saul violated. It underscores the importance of honoring covenants.

2 Samuel 21:1-14
Provides the broader context of the famine and David's actions to rectify Saul's breach of the covenant with the Gibeonites.

Exodus 20:16
The commandment against bearing false witness, which relates to the importance of truthfulness and faithfulness in covenants.

Numbers 30:2
Emphasizes the importance of keeping vows and promises, relevant to the broken covenant with the Gibeonites.