Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish, at Zela in Benjamin, and did everything the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land. New Living Translation Then the king ordered that they bury the bones in the tomb of Kish, Saul’s father, at the town of Zela in the land of Benjamin. After that, God ended the famine in the land. English Standard Version And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they did all that the king commanded. And after that God responded to the plea for 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. Berean Literal Bible And they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they performed all that the king commanded, and God heeded the prayer for the land after that. King James Bible 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. New King James Version They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father. So they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God heeded the prayer for the land. New American Standard Bible Then they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the grave of his father Kish; So they did everything that the king commanded, and after that God responded to prayer for the land. NASB 1995 They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the grave of Kish his father; thus they did all that the king commanded, and after that God was moved by prayer for the land. NASB 1977 And they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the grave of Kish his father; thus they did all that the king commanded, and after that God was moved by entreaty for the land. Legacy Standard Bible Then they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the grave of Kish his father; thus they did all that the king commanded, and afterwards God was moved by the entreaty for the land. Amplified Bible They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father; and they did all that the king commanded. After that, God was moved by prayer for the land. Berean Annotated Bible And they buried the bones of Saul (desired) and his son Jonathan (YHWH has given) in Zela (a rib) in the land of Benjamin (son of the right hand), in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish (bent). After they had done everything the king had commanded, God {Elohim} answered their prayers for the land. Christian Standard Bible and buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan at Zela in the land of Benjamin in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. They did everything the king commanded. After this, God was receptive to prayer for the land. Holman Christian Standard Bible and buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan at Zela in the land of Benjamin in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. They did everything the king commanded. After this, God answered prayer 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. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin, in Zela, in the tomb of Saul's father Kish. They did everything the king ordered. After that, God answered the prayers for the land. Good News Translation Then they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan in the grave of Saul's father Kish, in Zela in the territory of Benjamin, doing all that the king had commanded. And after that, God answered their prayers for the country. International Standard Version and they buried Saul's bones and his son Jonathan's bones in the territory of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Saul's father Kish. After they had done everything that the king commanded, God responded to prayers for the land. NET Bible They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin at Zela in the grave of his father Kish. After they had done everything that the king had commanded, God responded to their prayers for the land. New Heart English Bible And he buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they performed all that the king commanded. After that God responded to prayers for the land. Webster's Bible Translation And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son they buried in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulcher of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was entreated for the land. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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. World English Bible They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father; and they performed all that the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer for the land. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand bury the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin, in Zelah, in the burying-place of his father Kish, and do all that the king commanded, and God accepts the plea for the land afterward. Berean Literal Bible And they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they performed all that the king commanded, and God heeded the prayer for the land after that. Young's Literal Translation and bury the bones of Saul and of Jonathan his son in the land of Benjamin, in Zelah, in the burying-place of Kish his father, and do all that the king commanded, and God is entreated for the land afterwards. Smith's Literal Translation And they will bury the bones of Saul, and Jonathan his son, in the land of Benjamin in Zelzah in the grave of Kish his father: and they will do all which the king commanded. And God will hear for the land after this. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they buried them with the bones of Saul, and of Jonathan his son in the land of Benjamin, in the side, in the sepulchre of Cis his father: and they did all that the king had commanded, and God shewed mercy again to the land after these things. Catholic Public Domain Version And they buried them with the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan, in the land of Benjamin, to the side of the sepulcher of his father Kish. And they did all that the king had instructed. And after these things, God showed favor again to the land. New American Bible Then the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan were buried in the land of Benjamin, at Zela, in the tomb of his father Kish. After all that the king commanded had been carried out, God granted relief to the land. New Revised Standard Version They buried the bones of Saul and of his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of his father Kish; they did all that the king commanded. After that, God heeded supplications for the land. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they buried the bones of Saul and of Jonathan his son in the land of Benjamin in Zelzah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father; and they did all that the king commanded. And after that God was reconciled toward the land. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they buried the bones of Shaul and of Yonathan in the land of Benyamin in Tsaltsakh, in the grave of Qish his father, and they did everything that the King commanded, and God was reconciled to the land after that OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they buried the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son, and the bones of them that had been hanged, in the land of Benjamin in the hill, in the sepulchre of Cis his father; and they did all things that the king commanded: and after this God hearkened to the prayers of the land. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Avenges the Gibeonites…13So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, along with the bones of those who had been hanged. 14And 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. Cross References And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan 1 Samuel 31:12-13 all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. / Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. 1 Chronicles 10:12-14 all their men of valor set out and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days. / So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 2 Samuel 1:25-27 How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. / I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. / How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished!” in Zela in the land of Benjamin, Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim—fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Joshua 18:11 The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: 1 Chronicles 8:1-2 Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, / Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. 1 Samuel 14:51 Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel. 1 Chronicles 8:33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. 1 Samuel 9:1-2 Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. / And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. After they had done everything the king had commanded, 1 Kings 2:38-40 “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. / After three years, however, two of Shimei’s slaves ran away to Achish son of Maacah, king of Gath. And Shimei was told, “Look, your slaves are in Gath.” / So Shimei saddled his donkey and set out to Achish at Gath in search of his slaves, and he brought them back from Gath. 2 Chronicles 35:10-12 So the service was prepared; the priests stood in their places and the Levites in their divisions according to the king’s command. / And they slaughtered the Passover lambs, while the priests splattered the blood handed to them and the Levites skinned the animals. / They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as it is written in the Book of Moses. And they did the same with the bulls. 2 Chronicles 30:12 Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD. God answered their prayers for the land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send a plague among My people, / and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 1 Kings 8:35-40 When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them, / then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. / When famine or plague comes upon the land, or blight or mildew or locusts or grasshoppers, or when their enemy besieges them in their cities, whatever plague or sickness may come, … 2 Chronicles 6:26-27 When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them, / then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. 2 Samuel 2:4-5 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” / So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. Treasury of Scripture And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulcher of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was entreated for the land. buried 2 Samuel 3:32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. 2 Samuel 4:12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. Zelah 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. 1 Samuel 10:2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? Zelzah 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. Exodus 32:27-29 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… Numbers 25:13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel. Jump to Previous Benjamin Bones Buried Commanded Country Ear Entreated Grave Heeded Intreated Jonathan Kish Moved Orders Performed Prayer Resting-Place Saul Saul's Sepulcher Sepulchre Supplications Tomb Zela ZelahJump to Next Benjamin Bones Buried Commanded Country Ear Entreated Grave Heeded Intreated Jonathan Kish Moved Orders Performed Prayer Resting-Place Saul Saul's Sepulcher Sepulchre Supplications Tomb Zela Zelah2 Samuel 21 1. The three year Gibeonite famine ceases, by hanging seven of Saul's sons.10. Rizpah's kindness unto the dead 12. David buries the bones of Saul and Jonathan in his father's tomb 15. Four battles against the Philistines, wherein four men of David slay four giants. And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan The burial of Saul and Jonathan's bones signifies a moment of closure and respect for the former king and his son. Saul, the first king of Israel, and Jonathan, his son and David's close friend, had died in battle against the Philistines. Their bodies were initially desecrated by the Philistines, but the men of Jabesh-gilead retrieved them. This act of burial is a fulfillment of honoring the dead, a significant cultural practice in ancient Israel, reflecting the importance of proper burial rites. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, whose disobedience to God led to his downfall and the eventual transfer of kingship to David. 2. Jonathan Saul's son and David's close friend, known for his loyalty and bravery. 3. David The king of Israel at the time, who sought to honor Saul and Jonathan by giving them a proper burial. 4. Zela A town in the land of Benjamin where Saul and Jonathan were buried. 5. Kish Saul's father, whose tomb became the final resting place for Saul and Jonathan. Teaching Points Respect for the DeadThe burial of Saul and Jonathan underscores the importance of honoring those who have passed, regardless of past conflicts. Obedience to Authority The people followed King David's command, demonstrating the biblical principle of respecting and obeying God-ordained leadership. Reconciliation and Peace David's actions reflect a heart of reconciliation, seeking to make peace with Saul's legacy and family. God's Response to Righteous Actions After the burial, God answered prayers for the land, illustrating that God honors righteous actions and intentions. Legacy and Honor The burial in the family tomb signifies the importance of family legacy and the honor due to one's ancestors. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 21:14?2. How does 2 Samuel 21:14 emphasize the importance of honoring past commitments? 3. What role does obedience play in resolving conflicts, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:14? 4. How can we apply the principle of "God was moved by prayer" today? 5. In what ways does this verse connect to honoring God's covenant with Israel? 6. How does this passage encourage us to seek God's guidance in difficult situations? 7. Why did David move Saul and Jonathan's bones in 2 Samuel 21:14? 8. How does 2 Samuel 21:14 reflect on the importance of burial practices? 9. What does 2 Samuel 21:14 reveal about David's character and leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 21? 11. In 2 Samuel 21, where is the historical or archaeological evidence to validate or challenge the reported famine and the Gibeonite retribution? 12. In 2 Samuel 21:1, how can a just God hold an entire nation accountable with famine for Saul’s sin? 13. Why was there a famine during David's reign? 14. In 2 Samuel 21:9, how is the extended exposure of the corpses justified when Deuteronomy 21:22–23 calls for prompt burial? What Does 2 Samuel 21:14 Mean And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan• “And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan” highlights long-overdue honor for Israel’s first king and his faithful son. Earlier, the men of Jabesh-gilead had risked their lives to retrieve the bodies (1 Samuel 31:12-13; cf. 2 Samuel 2:4-5), but a full, peaceful burial still awaited. • Restoring dignity removes lingering shame (1 Samuel 1:11; 2 Samuel 1:23). • God values proper burial as an act of love and closure (Genesis 50:25-26; John 19:40-42). in Zela in the land of Benjamin • Placing the remains “in Zela in the land of Benjamin” returns Saul to his tribal inheritance (Joshua 18:21-28). • The tribe once torn by civil war (Judges 20) is shown mercy, underscoring that God’s plans for each tribe stand despite past failure (Romans 11:29). • David’s choice of Zela avoids political grandstanding in Jerusalem, letting reconciliation—not rivalry—take center stage (Proverbs 15:1). in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. • Using “the tomb of Saul’s father Kish” restores familial integrity (1 Samuel 10:21-26; 1 Chronicles 8:33). • Family tombs represented covenant continuity (Genesis 25:9-10). Returning Saul to his father’s resting place affirms God’s design for generational legacy (Exodus 20:12). • Honor toward predecessors prepares the way for national healing (Malachi 4:6). After they had done everything the king had commanded, • David’s obedience mirrors Israel’s obligation to God (Deuteronomy 27:1; John 14:15). • The narrative stresses completion: “everything” was carried out, from surrendering Saul’s descendants to securing burial space (2 Samuel 21:1-9). Obedience precedes blessing (Luke 11:28). • Civil authority, when aligned with God’s law, becomes a means of justice (Romans 13:1-4). God answered their prayers for the land. • Famine had plagued Israel for three years because Saul’s house broke a covenant with the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1). With restitution made, “God answered their prayers for the land”. • Divine response follows repentance and righteous action (2 Chronicles 7:14; James 5:16). • The phrase signals covenant restoration: rain and harvest reflect God’s renewed favor (Deuteronomy 28:12; Psalm 65:9-13). • The land’s healing underscores that unresolved sin affects communities, yet God delights in lifting curses when justice is embraced (Galatians 3:13). summary 2 Samuel 21:14 brings closure to the turmoil sparked by Saul’s broken covenant. Honoring Saul and Jonathan through proper burial in their ancestral tomb fulfills David’s obligation, demonstrates respect for lineage, and models obedience. Once justice is satisfied, God lifts the famine, showing that repentance, restitution, and reverence for His commands open the door for answered prayer and restored blessing. (14) In Zelah.--According to Joshua 18:28 a town of Benjamin. It has not been identified, but was probably near Gibeah.Verse 14. - The bones of Saul and Jonathan. The Septuagint adds, "and the bones of them that were hanged." As it is expressly said in ver. 13 that these bones were collected, we cannot doubt but that the remains of the seven grandsons were interred with those of Saul and Jonathan, in the tomb of Kish, their common ancestor. But whether the Septuagint has preserved words that have dropped out of the Hebrew text, or has added them to make the fact plain, is more than we can answer. Zelah. Nothing more is known of this place than that it was in the tribe of Benjamin.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And they buriedוַיִּקְבְּר֣וּ (way·yiq·bə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6912: To inter the bones עַצְמוֹת־ (‘aṣ·mō·wṯ-) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame of Saul שָׁא֣וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and his son בְּ֠נוֹ (bə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son Jonathan וִיהוֹנָֽתָן־ (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites in Zela בְּצֵלָ֗ע (bə·ṣê·lā‘) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6762: Zela -- a place in Benjamin in the land בְּאֶ֨רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Benjamin, בִּנְיָמִ֜ן (bin·yā·min) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites in the tomb בְּקֶ֙בֶר֙ (bə·qe·ḇer) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6913: A grave, sepulcher of Saul’s father אָבִ֔יו (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father Kish. קִ֣ישׁ (qîš) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7027: Kish -- father of Saul, also the name of several other Israelites After אַֽחֲרֵי־ (’a·ḥă·rê-) Preposition Strong's 310: The hind or following part they had done וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ (way·ya·‘ă·śū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make everything כֹּ֥ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the king הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king had commanded, צִוָּ֖ה (ṣiw·wāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order God אֱלֹהִ֛ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative answered their prayers וַיֵּעָתֵ֧ר (way·yê·‘ā·ṯêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6279: To burn incense in worship, intercede for the land. לָאָ֖רֶץ (lā·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land Links 2 Samuel 21:14 NIV2 Samuel 21:14 NLT 2 Samuel 21:14 ESV 2 Samuel 21:14 NASB 2 Samuel 21:14 KJV 2 Samuel 21:14 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 21:14 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 21:14 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 21:14 French Bible 2 Samuel 21:14 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 21:14 They buried the bones of Saul (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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