2 Samuel 21:13

KJV

And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought up {H5927} from thence the bones {H6106} of Saul {H7586} and the bones {H6106} of Jonathan {H3083} his son {H1121}; and they gathered {H622} the bones {H6106} of them that were hanged {H3363}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he brought up from there the bones of Sha'ul and the bones of Y'honatan his son. They also gathered the bones of those who had been hanged.

Berean Standard Bible

So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged.

American Standard Version

and he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son: and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 21:13 marks the culmination of a significant act of atonement and reconciliation initiated by King David. Following a severe three-year famine, revealed as divine judgment for King Saul's breach of covenant with the Gibeonites, David undertook the solemn task of gathering the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan, along with the bones of Saul's seven descendants who had been executed to appease the Gibeonites. This meticulous act of proper burial, performed with reverence and dignity, symbolized the restoration of honor to the deceased and served as a crucial step in appeasing God's wrath, ultimately leading to the end of the famine and the spiritual healing of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial narrative in [2 Samuel 21](/2_samuel/21 "2 Samuel 21 - Famine, Gibeonites, and David's Mighty Men"), which opens with a severe famine plaguing Israel for three years. David's inquiry of the Lord reveals the famine to be a consequence of Saul's past sin against the Gibeonites, a people with whom Joshua had made a solemn covenant centuries earlier ([Joshua 9:15](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15 - Joshua's Covenant with the Gibeonites")). To atone for this breach, the Gibeonites demand the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants, which David grants (sparing Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, due to his own covenant with Jonathan). After these seven are executed and their bodies left exposed as a public display of judgment, Saul's concubine Rizpah performs a remarkable vigil, guarding their bodies from scavengers for months ([2 Samuel 21:10](/2_samuel/21-10 "2 Samuel 21:10 - Rizpah's Vigil")). Moved by Rizpah's profound devotion and understanding the need for proper closure and honor for the dead, David then takes action, initiating the sacred act of gathering the bones mentioned in this verse, bringing them to a proper burial site, which is explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 21:14](/2_samuel/21-14 "2 Samuel 21:14 - The Famine Ends After Burial").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite and broader Near Eastern cultures, the proper burial of the dead was of paramount importance, signifying respect, honor, and the dignity of the deceased. Conversely, leaving bodies unburied or exposed was considered a profound disgrace, a sign of divine curse, or extreme judgment, as seen in [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Cursed Body"). The act of "gathering the bones" (ossilegium) for reburial, even years after death, was a practice that demonstrated deep reverence and a desire to restore honor. This cultural norm underscores the gravity of David's actions: he was not merely disposing of remains but performing a sacred rite that brought spiritual and communal healing. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the sanctity of covenants in ancient Israelite society; a breach, even by a previous king, could have generational consequences and incur divine wrath, necessitating a public and thorough act of atonement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several profound themes. Firstly, it underscores **Restoration and Atonement**, as the proper burial of the dead, particularly those who had suffered a dishonorable death or remained unburied, was a crucial step in appeasing divine wrath and restoring peace to the land. The immediate cessation of the famine following this act ([2 Samuel 21:14](/2_samuel/21-14 "2 Samuel 21:14 - The End of the Famine")) clearly links the burial to the completion of atonement for Saul's sin. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Honor and Dignity in Death**. Despite the circumstances of their deaths—Saul and Jonathan in battle, the seven descendants by execution—David ensures that all receive a dignified burial. This act transcends personal animosity or the shame of judgment, affirming the inherent value of human life even in death. Finally, David's actions here reflect his **Righteous Leadership**. He not only facilitated the necessary retribution to uphold divine justice and honor the ancient covenant but also demonstrated profound compassion and reverence by ensuring proper burial for all involved, including his former adversary and his family. This showcases David's nuanced approach to kingship, balancing justice with mercy and spiritual integrity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bones (Hebrew, _'etzem'_):** The Hebrew word עֶצֶם (_'etzem_) literally means "bone" or "skeleton," but it often carries a deeper symbolic weight, representing the very essence or core of a person, or the entire person themselves (e.g., "bone of my bones" in [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Genesis 2:23 - Woman Created from Man")). In the context of burial, "bones" signify the physical remains that, when properly interred, allow the deceased to "rest in peace" and receive honor. The exposure of bones was a profound disgrace and a sign of utter destruction or divine curse, making their proper collection and burial an act of restoration and re-dignification.
* **Brought up (Hebrew, _'alah'_):** The verb עָלָה (_'alah_) means "to go up," "to bring up," or "to ascend." Here, it implies a deliberate and significant journey to retrieve the remains of Saul and Jonathan from Jabesh-Gilead, where they had been honorably buried after their deaths on Mount Gilboa ([1 Samuel 31:11-13](/1_samuel/31-11 "1 Samuel 31:11-13 - Burial of Saul and His Sons")). This act of "bringing up" signifies David's personal initiative and the elevation of their status, ensuring they would be laid to rest with their family in the ancestral tomb.
* **Gathered (Hebrew, _qavats'_):** The verb קָבַץ (_qavats_) means "to gather," "to collect," or "to assemble." This term emphasizes the active and intentional collection of the scattered or exposed bones of the seven executed descendants. It highlights the meticulous and reverent nature of the act, ensuring that no remains were left dishonored. This "gathering" was a communal effort, signifying the community's participation in the act of atonement and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son;":** This clause highlights King David's personal initiative and leadership in this sacred task. "Thence" refers to Jabesh-Gilead, where the valiant men had previously buried Saul and Jonathan after their deaths in battle. David's decision to retrieve their bones, even though they had already received a burial, demonstrates his commitment to providing them with a final, unified resting place in their ancestral land, alongside the other members of Saul's family, thus bringing comprehensive closure to the entire affair. This act also underscores David's continued respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed and for his covenant with Jonathan.
* **"and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.":** This second clause describes the collection of the bones of the seven executed descendants of Saul, whose bodies had been left exposed as a public display of judgment and atonement. The use of "they gathered" suggests a broader, perhaps communal, effort in this part of the task, under David's direction. This act of gathering the remains of those who died a shameful death was crucial for restoring their dignity and completing the ritual of atonement. It ensured that even those who bore the consequences of a past sin would ultimately receive a proper and respectful burial, essential for the healing of the land and the cessation of the famine.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "bones" representing the deceased's dignity, honor, and the very essence of their person. The act of gathering and burying them symbolizes the restoration of honor, the completion of atonement, and the return of peace to the land after a period of divine judgment. The famine itself serves as a powerful **symbol** of God's displeasure and the brokenness of the covenant. There is a strong sense of **Resolution** in this verse, as the gathering of the bones marks the final, physical act required to appease God and bring an end to the famine, signaling a turning point in the narrative. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses **Juxtaposition** by mentioning the bones of Saul and Jonathan (who died honorably in battle and were already buried) alongside "the bones of them that were hanged" (who died a shameful, executed death and were exposed). This juxtaposition highlights David's comprehensive compassion and his commitment to bringing dignity and proper burial to all involved in this complex situation, regardless of their past or manner of death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the seriousness with which God views covenants and the far-reaching consequences of their violation. Saul's sin, though generations past, brought a severe famine upon the land, demonstrating the principle of corporate responsibility and the enduring nature of divine justice. David's actions, guided by divine revelation, underscore the necessity of atonement for sin and the importance of ritual purity and proper burial in the ancient Israelite worldview as a means of appeasing God's wrath and restoring communal well-being. It highlights God's demand for justice but also His readiness to bring healing and restoration when proper steps of repentance and atonement are taken. The care for the deceased, even those under divine judgment, reflects a deep theological understanding of human dignity, created in God's image, which extends even beyond physical life.

* [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Cursed Body on a Tree")
* [Genesis 50:25](/genesis/50-25 "Genesis 50:25 - Joseph's Bones")
* [Amos 2:1](/amos/2-1 "Amos 2:1 - Desecration of Bones")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Samuel 21:13 serves as a powerful reminder that the consequences of sin, particularly the breaking of sacred covenants, can extend across generations and impact an entire community. It challenges us to consider the long-term ripple effects of our actions and the importance of addressing past wrongs, even if they predate us, for the sake of communal healing and spiritual well-being. David's leadership provides a model of seeking divine wisdom, acting justly, and demonstrating compassion even in difficult circumstances. His meticulous care for the dignity of the dead, regardless of their status or the manner of their demise, calls us to reflect on the inherent value of every human life, created in the image of God, and to treat all individuals with respect, both in life and in death. This passage encourages us to pursue reconciliation, seek closure, and ensure that justice is tempered with mercy, allowing for true restoration and peace in our relationships and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of corporate responsibility and the long-term impact of sin?**
* **What does David's act of gathering the bones teach us about honoring the dignity of every individual, even those who may have been adversaries or subject to judgment?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, need to address "unburied" or unresolved issues from the past to experience true healing and restoration?**
* **How can we emulate David's balanced leadership, combining a commitment to justice with profound compassion and reverence for life?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important to bury the bones of Saul and Jonathan, and the executed descendants, together?**

Answer: The act of burying all the bones together was crucial for several reasons. For Saul and Jonathan, it was about providing a final, unified, and honorable resting place in their ancestral family tomb in Zela, Benjamin ([2 Samuel 21:14](/2_samuel/21-14 "2 Samuel 21:14 - Burial in Zela")). They had initially been buried by the men of Jabesh-Gilead, but David wanted to ensure they were laid to rest with their kin. For the seven executed descendants, whose bodies had been left exposed as part of the atonement for Saul's sin, proper burial was essential to restore their dignity and complete the ritual of appeasing God's wrath. In ancient Israel, leaving a body unburied was a profound disgrace and a sign of divine curse ([Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Cursed Body")). By burying them all together, David ensured that the entire family received proper honor in death, signifying comprehensive closure to the famine and the generational sin, and bringing healing to the land.

**What was the significance of Rizpah's vigil mentioned earlier in the chapter?**

Answer: Rizpah's vigil ([2 Samuel 21:10](/2_samuel/21-10 "2 Samuel 21:10 - Rizpah's Vigil")) was an extraordinary act of maternal devotion and public lament. For five months, from harvest until the rains, she guarded the exposed bodies of her two sons and Saul's five grandsons from scavengers and birds of prey. This vigil was not just an expression of grief but a powerful plea for justice and dignity. By preventing further desecration of the bodies, Rizpah highlighted the profound dishonor of their unburied state and implicitly appealed to David to provide a proper burial. Her courageous and public act deeply moved David, prompting him to take the necessary steps to gather all the bones and provide them with a dignified burial, thereby bringing the entire tragic episode to a reverent close.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Samuel 21:13, with its focus on atonement, the lifting of a curse, and the restoration of dignity through the burial of the dead, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. Just as the famine was a consequence of Saul's sin, humanity's spiritual famine and death are the direct result of sin, which brings a curse upon all ([Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Curse of the Law")). The Gibeonites' demand for retribution and David's act of gathering the bones served as a temporal atonement to lift a specific curse and restore physical well-being to Israel. However, the true and eternal atonement for the sin of the world is found in Christ. He became a curse for us, "having become a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His crucifixion, Jesus bore the full weight of God's judgment against sin, thereby canceling the record of debt that stood against us ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt")). Unlike the exposed bodies of Saul's descendants, Jesus' body, though crucified, was not left to be dishonored; it was honorably taken down and laid in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus ([John 19:38-42](/john/19-38-42 "John 19:38-42 - Jesus' Burial")). His resurrection on the third day is the ultimate act of restoration, conquering death and ending the curse of sin forever. The "gathering of bones" in 2 Samuel 21:13 points to a physical restoration and peace; Christ's death and resurrection bring about spiritual reconciliation with God ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")) and the promise of eternal life, a far greater and more comprehensive fulfillment of atonement and dignity for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.