The Hebrew word Gibʻônîy, represented by H1393, is a patrial term for a Gibeonite, or an inhabitant of Gibon. It appears 8 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This identifier is primarily used to designate a specific non-Israelite people group whose history becomes deeply intertwined with Israel's, particularly concerning matters of covenant, sin, and justice.
In the biblical narrative, the Gibeonites H1393 are central to a dramatic account of national consequence. They are identified not as children of Israel, but as a "remnant of the Amorites" 2 Samuel 21:2. A famine during David's reign is attributed to King Saul, who "slew the Gibeonites" in violation of an oath Israel had made to them 2 Samuel 21:1. When David seeks to make atonement, the Gibeonites refuse silver or gold, instead demanding the execution of Saul's sons, which is carried out (2 Samuel 21:3-4, 2 Samuel 21:9). Elsewhere, a Gibeonite is listed as one of the mighty men 1 Chronicles 12:4, and another is noted for helping repair the wall of Jerusalem Nehemiah 3:7.
Several related words provide crucial context for understanding the Gibeonites:
- H1391 Gibʻôwn (hilly; Gibon, a place in Palestine; Gibeon): This is the city from which the Gibeonites get their name. Gibeon was a "great city" whose men were "mighty" Joshua 10:2, and it was a significant site where the LORD appeared to Solomon 1 Kings 3:5.
- H567 ʼĔmôrîy (an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes; Amorite): This word defines the ancestry of the Gibeonites. Scripture explicitly states they are of the "remnant of the Amorites" 2 Samuel 21:2, distinguishing them from the surrounding Israelite tribes.
- H3499 yether (an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope (as hanging free); [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with.): This term describes the Gibeonites as a remnant of their people 2 Samuel 21:2, highlighting their status as survivors. The word is also used to describe the residue of people after a judgment Zechariah 14:2.
The story of the Gibeonites H1393 carries significant thematic weight concerning divine law and human responsibility.
- Covenantal Integrity: The narrative demonstrates the severe consequences of breaking an oath. Saul's decision to slay the Gibeonites, to whom Israel "had sworn," brought a famine upon the entire nation years later 2 Samuel 21:2.
- National Atonement: The famine is presented as a corporate problem stemming from the sin of a past leader. David's question, "wherewith shall I make the atonement" 2 Samuel 21:3, shows the need for national repentance to restore divine favor.
- Justice over Wealth: The Gibeonites' rejection of "silver nor gold" in favor of justice against Saul's "bloody house" underscores a biblical theme where restitution for life cannot be made with material wealth (2 Samuel 21:1, 2 Samuel 21:4).
In summary, H1393 Gibʻônîy is far more than a simple demographic label. It identifies a people whose story serves as a powerful testament to the permanence of oaths, the reality of corporate sin, and the unyielding demand for justice. Through their interaction with Saul and David, the Gibeonites become a pivotal example of how Israel's relationship with other nations was governed by covenant and accountability before the LORD.
TRV