Lexical Summary Giboni: Gibeonite Original Word: גִּבְעֹנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gibeonite Patrial from Gib'own; a Gibonite, or inhabitant of Gibon -- Gibeonite. see HEBREW Gib'own NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Gibon Definition inhab. of Gibeon NASB Translation Gibeonite (2), Gibeonites (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs גִּבְעֹנִי adjective, of a people — always with article הַגִּבְעֹנִי Nehemiah 3:7, הַגִּבְעוֺנִי 1 Chronicles 12:4, הַגִּבְעֹנִים 2 Samuel 21:1,2(twice in verse); 2 Samuel 21:3,4,9. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Gibeonites were inhabitants of the Hivite city-state of Gibeon and its satellite towns (Joshua 9:17). Strong’s Hebrew 1393 designates an individual or group belonging to that people. Although foreigners by birth, they lived within Israel’s borders from the days of Joshua onward. Historical Background Soon after Israel’s entrance into Canaan the Gibeonites, fearing annihilation, secured a treaty with Joshua by means of deception (Joshua 9:3-15). Bound by oath, Israel spared them, assigning them service at “the altar of the LORD” as woodcutters and water carriers (Joshua 9:27). That covenant shaped every later biblical mention. More than three centuries later Saul “sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah” (2 Samuel 21:2). Saul’s violation of the oath brought divine judgment in David’s reign and revealed the continuing force of covenants made in the name of the LORD. Biblical Occurrences 2 Samuel 21:1-9 records six of the eight occurrences. A three-year famine drives David to inquire of Yahweh; the answer: “It is on account of Saul and his bloodstained house, because he put the Gibeonites to death” (2 Samuel 21:1). David summons the Gibeonites, honors their request for justice, and after the execution of seven male descendants of Saul “God answered the prayer for the land” (2 Samuel 21:14). 1 Chronicles 12:4 notes “Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the Thirty” who defected to David at Ziklag, illustrating their growing integration into Israel’s military and worshiping community. Nehemiah 3:7 places Melatiah the Gibeonite among those repairing Jerusalem’s walls after the exile, demonstrating their faithfulness to the covenant community even centuries later. Covenant and Servitude The servile roles assigned in Joshua 9 were not punitive alone but priestly in proximity. By supplying wood and water they enabled continual sacrifice, placing a formerly pagan people in daily contact with the sanctuary. Their history shows that humble service, when rendered by faith, draws outsiders near to redemption (compare Deuteronomy 29:11). David’s Atonement and the Covenant’s Sanctity 2 Samuel 21 is a solemn reminder that God defends the oppressed and upholds sworn oaths. National sin produced national calamity; national repentance restored blessing. The narrative also foreshadows the necessity of atoning blood to remove guilt, culminating in the righteous blood of Jesus Christ “who Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). Participation in David’s Mighty Men The presence of a Gibeonite among the elite warriors of David underscores God’s ability to transform former outsiders into frontline servants. Their loyalty in wartime, long after the deception of Joshua 9, displays grace canceling former enmity. Post-Exilic Faithfulness The returnees in Nehemiah’s day accepted Gibeonites as coworkers in rebuilding Jerusalem. Their inclusion affirms the covenant’s permanence: once bound to Israel, always bound. It also anticipates the ingathering of Gentiles into the people of God (Isaiah 56:6-7). Theological and Ministry Implications 1. God’s covenants are irrevocable; breaking them invites discipline (Psalm 15:4). Key Lessons and Applications • Honor commitments, personal and corporate, even when costly. Forms and Transliterations הַגִּבְעֹנִ֔ים הַגִּבְעֹנִ֗י הַגִּבְעֹנִ֗ים הַגִּבְעֹנִֽים׃ הַגִּבְעוֹנִ֛י הגבעוני הגבעני הגבענים הגבענים׃ וְהַגִּבְעֹנִ֞ים והגבענים לַגִּבְעֹנִ֖ים לגבענים hag·giḇ·‘ō·nî hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm hag·giḇ·‘ō·w·nî haggiḇ‘ōnî haggiḇ‘ōnîm haggiḇ‘ōwnî haggivoNi haggivoNim lag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm laggiḇ‘ōnîm laggivoNim vehaggivoNim wə·hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm wəhaggiḇ‘ōnîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 21:1 HEB: הֵמִ֖ית אֶת־ הַגִּבְעֹנִֽים׃ NAS: he put the Gibeonites to death. KJV: house, because he slew the Gibeonites. INT: he put the Gibeonites 2 Samuel 21:2 2 Samuel 21:2 2 Samuel 21:3 2 Samuel 21:4 2 Samuel 21:9 1 Chronicles 12:4 Nehemiah 3:7 8 Occurrences |
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