2 Samuel Chapter 21

Saul broke the vow that the Israelites had made to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:16-20). This slaughter is not recorded in 1 Samuel, but apparently at some time during his reign, Saul attacked and killed many of the Gibeonites, and this was a serious offense against God’s law (Numbers 30:1-2).

Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year (Samuel 21:1). In the first and second year, David might see it as a punishment laid upon them for the common sins of the land, but when he saw the famine continuing a third year, he thought there was something in it more than ordinary. After 3 years of famine, in the face of persistent problems, David wisely inquired of the Lord.

And the Lord answered, “It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.” (2 Samuel 21:1).

The Lord expected Israel to keep its promise, even though the Gibeonites tricked Israel into making the agreement. Likewise, The Lord expects us to keep our promises, and time does not diminish our obligation to promises. If The Lord has such a high expectation for men to keep their promise, we can have great confidence that He will keep His promise for us.

David knew he had to do something about this matter and so he called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. But the Gibeonites made it clear that they didn’t want money or direct retribution. They requested seven men of Saul’s descendants be delivered to them, and they will hand them before the Lord in Gibeah of Saul (2 Samuel 21:2-5). David also knew that this was the right thing to do. He might know that Saul’s descendants helped in or benefited directly from that slaughter. So, he agreed and chose seven male descendants of Saul to be handed over to the Gibeonites and they executed them by public hanging. 

He who is hanged is accursed of God (Deuteronomy 21:23). 

Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. He was sinless and innocent, but because He loves us, even while we were yet sinners, He was hung on the cross, and He became cursed on our behalf, He stood in our place and took the curse we deserved. (Galatians 3:13).

May the Lord direct our hearts into the experience of love of God.

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