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2 Samuel 21:1

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¶ Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

Then there was a famine {H7458} in the days {H3117} of David {H1732} three {H7969} years {H8141}, year {H8141} after {H310} year {H8141}; and David {H1732} enquired {H1245} of {H6440} the LORD {H3068}. And the LORD {H3068} answered {H559}, It is for Saul {H7586}, and for his bloody {H1818} house {H1004}, because he slew {H4191} the Gibeonites {H1393}.

In David's time there was a famine that lasted three years, and David consulted ADONAI. ADONAI said, "It is because of Sha'ul and his bloodstained house, because he put to death the people of Giv'on."

During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.”

And there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Jehovah. And Jehovah said, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put to death the Gibeonites.

Commentary

Context

This verse opens a significant narrative in the latter part of David's reign, revealing a severe three-year famine plaguing Israel. In ancient Israel, such natural disasters were often seen as indicators of divine displeasure. King David, therefore, did what righteous leaders of Israel were expected to do: he sought the Lord's counsel to understand the cause of the affliction. The Lord's response is direct and surprising: the famine is a consequence of King Saul's past transgression against the Gibeonites.

Centuries earlier, during Joshua's conquest of Canaan, the Gibeonites had tricked the Israelites into making a peace treaty (see Joshua 9:15). Despite the deception, Joshua and the leaders of Israel swore an oath before the Lord to spare them. This oath was a solemn covenant, binding for generations. Saul, in his zeal for Israel and perhaps disregarding the sacredness of this ancient oath, had attempted to exterminate the Gibeonites, violating the covenant and shedding innocent blood. This act, though committed by Saul and his "bloody house," had long-lasting consequences, revealing God's unwavering commitment to justice and covenant faithfulness, even years after the offense.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Consequences of Sin: The famine serves as a clear demonstration of God's justice, showing that even past sins, especially those involving covenant breaking and bloodshed, have consequences. The delay in judgment does not mean its absence.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: God upholds the covenant made by Joshua, highlighting the sanctity of oaths sworn in His name. Saul's violation was a direct affront to God's character and His covenantal integrity.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The famine affects the entire nation, illustrating the concept of corporate responsibility, where the sins of leaders or a previous generation can have ripple effects on the community.
  • Divine Revelation: David's inquiry and the Lord's clear answer underscore the importance of seeking God's will and His willingness to reveal the root causes of national distress.

Practical Application

This verse teaches us several profound lessons:

  • The Seriousness of Oaths and Covenants: God takes promises seriously, especially those made in His name. We are called to be people of our word (Matthew 5:37).
  • Long-Term Consequences of Unconfessed Sin: Sin, particularly that involving injustice or violence, can have far-reaching and generational consequences. It highlights the importance of seeking atonement and reconciliation where wrongs have been committed.
  • Seeking God in Crisis: David's example encourages us to turn to God first when facing difficulties, trusting that He will reveal the truth and guide us toward resolution. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward true healing and restoration.
  • God's Unwavering Justice: While God is merciful, He is also just. This account reminds us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and unrighteous acts will be addressed, sometimes in unexpected ways or at unexpected times.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 7:11 (6 votes)

    Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put [it] even among their own stuff.

  • Joshua 7:12 (6 votes)

    Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

  • Genesis 12:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine [was] grievous in the land.

  • Genesis 26:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

  • Psalms 91:15 (1 votes)

    He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

  • Jeremiah 14:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth.

  • Jeremiah 14:18 (1 votes)

    If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.