Armo'ni is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the tragic events surrounding the family of King Saul. He is one of the lesser-known characters, yet his account is intertwined with the themes of justice, retribution, and the fulfillment of oaths.

Biblical References:

Armo'ni is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:8. The Berean Standard Bible states: "But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons whom Rizpah daughter of Aiah had borne to Saul, and the five sons whom Merab daughter of Saul had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite."

Family Background:

Armo'ni was one of the sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and his concubine Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. His brother, Mephibosheth, shares the same mother. Rizpah is noted for her later actions in the narrative, which highlight her devotion and maternal love.

Historical Context:

The account of Armo'ni is set during a time of famine in Israel, which was believed to be a divine response to Saul's earlier actions against the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites were a group that had been wronged by Saul, despite a covenant made with them during the time of Joshua. To atone for Saul's breach of this covenant, King David sought to make amends with the Gibeonites.

The Tragic Outcome:

In response to David's inquiry, the Gibeonites requested the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants. This was seen as a form of blood retribution, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures to restore balance and justice. Armo'ni, along with his brother Mephibosheth and five other descendants of Saul, were handed over to the Gibeonites and executed. This act was intended to appease the Gibeonites and lift the famine from the land.

Rizpah's Mourning:

Rizpah's response to the death of her sons is a poignant part of the narrative. She took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock, keeping a vigil over the bodies from the beginning of the harvest until rain fell from the heavens. Her actions drew the attention of King David, who was moved by her devotion and subsequently arranged for the proper burial of Saul and his descendants.

Theological Implications:

The account of Armo'ni and his family highlights several theological themes. It underscores the seriousness of covenants and the consequences of breaking them, as well as the concept of corporate responsibility and retribution. The narrative also reflects on the themes of justice and mercy, as David seeks to rectify the wrongs of Saul's reign while also showing compassion to the bereaved Rizpah.

Armo'ni's brief mention in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine justice and human actions, and the enduring impact of familial and national sins.Armo'ni (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 21:8
But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite;
(See RSV)

Armo'ni (1 Occurrence)
Armo'ni. Armoni, Armo'ni. Armor . Multi-Version Concordance Armo'ni
(1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 21:8 But the king took the two sons ...
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Armoni (1 Occurrence)

/a/armoni.htm - 7k

Armor (53 Occurrences)

/a/armor.htm - 41k

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