2 Samuel 21:14

KJV

And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the bones {H6106} of Saul {H7586} and Jonathan {H3083} his son {H1121} buried {H6912} they in the country {H776} of Benjamin {H1144} in Zelah {H6762}, in the sepulchre {H6913} of Kish {H7027} his father {H1}: and they performed {H6213} all that the king {H4428} commanded {H6680}. And after {H310} that God {H430} was intreated {H6279} for the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they buried the bones of Sha'ul and Y'honatan his son in the territory of Binyamin in Tzela, in the tomb of Kish his father; they did everything the king ordered. Only after that was God prevailed on to show mercy to the land.

Berean Standard Bible

And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land.

American Standard Version

And they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was entreated for the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 21:14 marks the climactic resolution of a three-year famine that afflicted Israel during David's reign, revealing God's responsiveness to a nation's actions. It details the dignified burial of King Saul and his son Jonathan, alongside the bones of Saul's seven descendants who were executed to atone for Saul's violation of a solemn covenant with the Gibeonites. This act of proper burial, fulfilling David's command, signified the restoration of divine favor and the healing of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative arc initiated in [2 Samuel 21:1](/2_samuel/21-1 "2 Samuel 21:1 - The Famine and Its Cause"), where a prolonged famine is revealed to be divine judgment for Saul's unprovoked massacre of the Gibeonites, violating the ancient covenant made in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Covenant"). David's inquiry of the Lord leads to the Gibeonites' demand for retribution, culminating in the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants. The preceding verses ([2 Samuel 21:10-13](/2_samuel/21-10 "2 Samuel 21:10-13 - Rizpah's Vigil and David's Action")) highlight Rizpah's poignant vigil over the bodies of her executed sons and grandsons, an act of enduring grief and devotion that moved David to action. David, remembering the initial burial of Saul and Jonathan in [Jabesh-Gilead](/1_samuel/31-13 "1 Samuel 31:13 - Saul and Jonathan's Burial in Jabesh-Gilead") and his own covenant with Jonathan ([1 Samuel 18:3](/1_samuel/18-3 "1 Samuel 18:3 - David and Jonathan's Covenant")), meticulously gathers the bones of all involved—Saul, Jonathan, and the seven executed men—to provide a unified, honorable burial in their ancestral tomb. This verse, therefore, serves as the narrative's resolution, signaling God's acceptance of the atonement and the end of the famine.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel placed immense importance on proper burial, viewing it as a fundamental act of respect for the dead and a sign of peace for the deceased. To be left unburied was a grave dishonor and a curse. The ancestral tomb, such as the sepulchre of Kish, Saul's father, was a crucial element, signifying continuity, family identity, and a final resting place within one's heritage. The concept of corporate responsibility, where the sin of one generation could bring consequences upon later generations, is also evident in the famine's duration and the Gibeonites' demand. Covenants, like the one with the Gibeonites, were considered sacred and binding, even across generations, and their violation carried severe divine consequences. The famine itself was understood as a direct manifestation of divine displeasure, a common theme in the Old Testament when Israel strayed from God's commands or covenants. David's actions reflect his role as a righteous king responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of his nation, demonstrating both justice and compassion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several profound themes. Firstly, **Covenant Fidelity** is paramount; Saul's violation of the Gibeonite covenant, though generations earlier, demanded a severe reckoning, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to justice and the sanctity of oaths. Secondly, **Divine Justice and Mercy** are intertwined; the famine was a just judgment for a grievous sin, but God's mercy was extended once proper atonement and reverence were shown. The phrase "God was intreated for the land" signifies God's responsiveness to human actions that align with His will. Thirdly, **Righteous Leadership** is exemplified by David, who diligently sought God's will to resolve national distress, honored ancient covenants, and demonstrated profound compassion and respect even for the family of his predecessor and former adversary. His meticulous attention to the burial rites, even for those who had been executed, brought spiritual and social reconciliation to a nation deeply afflicted by past sin, leading to the restoration of God's blessing upon the land. The importance of honoring the dead and ancestral ties is also a significant sub-theme, as David's actions provided closure and dignity to the royal line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Intreated (Hebrew, _ne'tar'_):** The Hebrew word נֶעְתַּר (transliterated _ne'tar_), derived from the root עתר (_'atar_), is a Nifal imperfect form, meaning "to be entreated," "to be prevailed upon," or "to accept prayer." This verb implies a successful appeal to God, indicating that He allowed Himself to be moved by the actions taken by David and the people. It signifies a turning point where divine favor is restored, often after a period of affliction or judgment. In this context, it confirms that the specific actions—the execution of Saul's descendants as atonement and the subsequent honorable burial—were acceptable to God, leading directly to the lifting of the famine. It highlights God's active engagement with human affairs and His readiness to respond to acts of justice and repentance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father:"** This clause details the central action of the verse: the proper burial of Saul and Jonathan. Crucially, this burial also included the bones of the seven executed descendants of Saul, which David had retrieved along with Saul and Jonathan's remains from Jabesh-Gilead. The specific location, "the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father," emphasizes the return to their ancestral homeland and family tomb. This act was deeply significant in ancient Israel, providing dignity, closure, and a proper resting place for the deceased, especially for a royal family. It symbolized the restoration of honor to Saul's house and the reconciliation of the kingdom.
* **"and they performed all that the king commanded."** This phrase underscores David's meticulous involvement and authority in the process. David's command was not merely to bury, but to gather all the bones and inter them together in the ancestral tomb. This demonstrates David's profound respect for Saul and Jonathan (due to his covenant with Jonathan and his anointing of Saul as king), as well as his commitment to fulfilling the requirements for divine reconciliation. The obedience of his servants highlights the successful execution of his righteous decree.
* **"And after that God was intreated for the land."** This concluding statement reveals the divine response and the ultimate purpose of the entire narrative. The famine, a direct consequence of Saul's sin, ceased only after the specific acts of atonement and respectful burial were completed. The phrase "God was intreated" signifies that God's wrath was appeased, His favor was restored, and the land was healed. This demonstrates a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human actions (justice, repentance, and reverence) and divine blessing, emphasizing God's active involvement in the well-being of His people and their land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. **Narrative Resolution** is the most prominent, as this verse provides the definitive conclusion to the prolonged famine narrative. It ties up all loose ends, from Saul's initial sin to the Gibeonites' retribution, Rizpah's vigil, David's compassionate response, and finally, God's acceptance. The phrase "And after that God was intreated for the land" functions as a clear **Divine Intervention** marker, explicitly stating that the cessation of the famine was a direct result of God's favorable response to the actions taken. The burial itself carries significant **Symbolism**, representing not only the honoring of the dead but also the restoration of order, the healing of a broken covenant, and the spiritual reconciliation of the nation with God. The return of the bones to the ancestral tomb in Benjamin symbolizes a return to proper order and a re-establishment of peace for the royal line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that unaddressed sin, even from a previous generation, can have lasting and severe consequences, demanding a righteous response for reconciliation. It highlights God's justice in holding His people accountable for covenant violations, yet it also beautifully showcases His mercy and responsiveness to genuine acts of atonement, humility, and righteous leadership. David's actions, driven by both a desire to appease God and a deep respect for the deceased, demonstrate that true spiritual healing for a nation often requires confronting past wrongs and meticulously restoring what has been broken. The lifting of the famine serves as a tangible sign of God's renewed favor, emphasizing that divine blessing is contingent upon obedience and adherence to His covenant principles. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God is not distant but actively engaged in the affairs of His people, willing to hear and heal when His terms are met.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise to Heal the Land")
* [Joshua 9:15-21](/joshua/9-15 "Joshua 9:15-21 - The Covenant with the Gibeonites")
* [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Defiling the Land with Bloodshed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 21:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It reminds us that unresolved sin, whether personal or corporate, can cast a long shadow, affecting not only individuals but also generations and entire communities. The famine's resolution underscores the importance of diligently seeking God's will when facing persistent challenges, understanding that some afflictions may be divine calls to address underlying issues of injustice, broken promises, or unconfessed sin. David's meticulous care for the dead, even those who were his adversaries, teaches us the importance of compassion, reconciliation, and honoring dignity, even in difficult circumstances. Ultimately, the verse provides a powerful testament to God's readiness to restore blessing when His people humble themselves, acknowledge wrongdoing, seek His face, and act in accordance with His justice and righteousness. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking reconciliation, both with God and with others, trusting that He is faithful to respond when we align our actions with His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "famines" or persistent challenges in my life or community might be linked to unaddressed sin or broken covenants, and how can I seek God's will to resolve them?**
* **How does David's example of honoring the dead and seeking reconciliation challenge my own attitudes towards those I might consider adversaries or those who have wronged me?**
* **In what ways can I, like the people of Israel, demonstrate humility and righteousness so that God might be "intreated" for my circumstances or for the land I inhabit?**

### FAQ
**Why did the famine last for three years, and what was its ultimate cause?**

Answer: The famine lasted for three years because it was a divine judgment for King Saul's unprovoked and violent breaking of a solemn covenant made by Joshua with the Gibeonites (see [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Covenant")). Despite the covenant being made centuries earlier, God held Israel accountable for the violation, demonstrating the enduring sanctity of oaths and the severe consequences of corporate sin. The famine persisted until the injustice was acknowledged and atoned for, which involved the execution of seven of Saul's descendants at the Gibeonites' request, followed by their proper burial along with Saul and Jonathan.

**Why were Saul's descendants executed for his sin, and what does this say about divine justice?**

Answer: The execution of Saul's descendants reflects the ancient Near Eastern and, at times, biblical concept of corporate responsibility, where the actions of a leader or a generation could have consequences for their descendants or the entire community. While the Bible also emphasizes individual accountability, there are instances where the consequences of sin extend beyond the immediate perpetrator, particularly in covenant relationships. In this case, it served as a means of atonement for the broken covenant and the shedding of innocent Gibeonite blood. This act of justice, though harsh to modern sensibilities, was deemed necessary to appease God's wrath and restore the land's fruitfulness, demonstrating that God's justice demands a reckoning for grave sins, especially those involving covenant violation and bloodshed (cf. [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Defiling the Land with Bloodshed")).

**What does it mean that "God was intreated for the land," and how does this apply to believers today?**

Answer: The phrase "God was intreated for the land" means that God was successfully appealed to, or that He allowed Himself to be moved by the actions taken by David and the people. It signifies that the atonement for Saul's sin and the subsequent acts of reverence (the proper burial) were acceptable to God, leading to the lifting of the famine and the restoration of His favor. For believers today, this principle remains profoundly relevant. While we live under the New Covenant, God still responds to humility, repentance, and righteous actions. When individuals or communities acknowledge sin, seek His face, and turn from wicked ways, God promises to hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land (see [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise to Heal the Land")). It teaches us that God is responsive to sincere appeals and that our obedience and pursuit of justice play a role in experiencing His blessings and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Samuel 21:14, with its emphasis on atonement, divine judgment, and the restoration of the land, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect resolution found in Jesus Christ. The famine in Israel was a consequence of broken covenant and unatoned sin, requiring a sacrifice to appease divine justice. While the execution of Saul's descendants provided a temporary, limited atonement for a specific historical transgression, it pointed to the deeper need for a definitive solution to humanity's sin problem. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the ultimate and final sacrifice, fulfilling all requirements of divine justice. His death on the cross was the perfect atonement, not merely for a specific national sin, but for the sins of all humanity, effectively "intreating" God for the entire world. Through His shed blood, the curse of sin that entered the world through Adam ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")) was definitively addressed, and a new covenant of grace was established. Just as the proper burial of Saul and Jonathan brought peace and closure to Israel, Christ's burial and resurrection signify the victory over death and sin, bringing eternal peace and reconciliation to all who believe. He is the one through whom we are [brought near by the blood of Christ](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ"), and through whom the "land" of our hearts and lives can be truly healed and restored to God's favor.

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.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 24:25

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

Joshua 18:28

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Exodus 32:27

And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, [and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

Exodus 32:29

For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.

Amos 7:1

¶ Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, [it was] the latter growth after the king's mowings.

Amos 7:6

The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD.