2 Samuel 21:9

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

Study Bible

And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites
This phrase refers to King David handing over the descendants of Saul to the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites were a group of people who had made a covenant with Israel during the time of Joshua (Joshua 9). Saul had violated this covenant by attempting to annihilate them, which led to a famine as divine retribution. David sought to make amends by asking the Gibeonites what would satisfy them, and they requested the execution of Saul's descendants. This act underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness in biblical times and the severe consequences of breaking such agreements.

and they hanged them on the hill before the LORD
The execution of Saul's descendants was carried out by hanging, a method of capital punishment that signified public disgrace and divine judgment. The phrase "before the LORD" indicates that this act was done with a sense of divine justice and acknowledgment of God's presence. The hill may have been a prominent location, possibly near Gibeah, Saul's hometown, or another significant site. This public execution served as a form of atonement for Saul's sin against the Gibeonites, reflecting the biblical principle of justice and retribution.

So all seven of them fell together
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. The execution of all seven descendants at once may signify the complete fulfillment of the Gibeonites' demand for justice. This collective punishment highlights the communal nature of justice in ancient Israel, where the actions of one could affect the entire family or clan.

they were put to death in the first days of the harvest
The timing of the execution during the harvest season is significant. Harvest time was a period of celebration and thanksgiving, yet this event brought a somber note to the season. The famine that had plagued the land was directly linked to Saul's sin against the Gibeonites, and the resolution of this injustice was necessary for the land's restoration. The execution during the harvest may symbolize the hope of renewed blessing and fertility for the land following the act of atonement.

at the beginning of the barley harvest
The barley harvest typically occurred in the spring, around the time of Passover. This timing may have symbolic significance, as Passover is a time of deliverance and redemption in Jewish tradition. The execution of Saul's descendants at this time could be seen as a form of deliverance from the famine that had afflicted Israel. Additionally, the barley harvest was the first harvest of the year, marking a new beginning and the hope of future provision and blessing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who sought to make amends for Saul's sin against the Gibeonites.

2. Gibeonites
A group of people who were wronged by Saul, leading to a famine in Israel as divine retribution.

3. Rizpah
The mother of two of the men who were handed over to the Gibeonites; she later protected their bodies.

4. Saul
The former King of Israel whose actions against the Gibeonites led to the famine.

5. Barley Harvest
The time of year when the executions took place, marking a significant agricultural period in Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Broken Covenants
Breaking covenants, especially those made before God, can have severe consequences. Saul's violation of the covenant with the Gibeonites led to a national crisis.

The Importance of Justice and Atonement
David's actions to rectify Saul's wrongs highlight the importance of justice and making amends for past sins. This teaches us the value of seeking reconciliation and justice in our own lives.

The Role of Divine Retribution
The famine in Israel serves as a reminder of divine retribution. It underscores the belief that God is just and will address wrongs in His timing.

The Power of Intercession and Advocacy
Rizpah's vigil over her sons' bodies is a powerful example of a mother's love and advocacy, reminding us of the importance of standing up for the dignity of others.

The Timing of God's Justice
The execution during the barley harvest signifies that God's justice operates on His timeline, often aligning with significant moments in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 provide context for the events in 2 Samuel 21:9?

2. What can we learn from David's response to the famine about addressing past wrongs in our own lives?

3. In what ways does Rizpah's actions inspire us to advocate for justice and dignity today?

4. How does the principle of divine retribution, as seen in this passage, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed the consequences of a broken promise. How did it affect your relationship with God and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
This chapter provides the background of the Gibeonites' covenant with Israel, which Saul violated, leading to the events in 2 Samuel 21.

Deuteronomy 21:22-23
Discusses the law regarding the exposure of bodies after execution, which relates to the actions taken by the Gibeonites.

Romans 12:19
Emphasizes the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting human justice with divine justice.