What scriptural connections exist between 2 Samuel 21:1 and other instances of divine inquiry? Verse in Focus: 2 Samuel 21:1 “During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, so David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD said, ‘It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.’” Shared Pattern: Crisis → Inquiry → Revelation • National or personal crisis strikes. • God’s servant seeks an explanation from the LORD. • The LORD discloses the hidden cause or gives direction. • Obedience to the revealed word restores blessing. Key Old-Testament Parallels • Joshua 7:6-12 – After the defeat at Ai, Joshua and the elders fall before the LORD. God exposes Achan’s theft as the reason: “Israel has sinned… Therefore the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies” (vv. 11-12). • Judges 20:18, 23, 27-28 – Faced with civil war against Benjamin, Israel “inquired of the LORD” three times; God responds each time, culminating in victory on the third day. • 1 Samuel 23:1-4 – David hears of Philistine raids on Keilah and twice “inquired of the LORD.” God directs him to attack, then to leave when Saul comes. • 1 Samuel 30:7-8 – After Ziklag is burned, David asks through the ephod, “Shall I pursue?” The LORD answers, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake and rescue.” • 2 Samuel 2:1 – With Saul dead, David “inquired of the LORD” about moving to Judah; God says, “Go up.” • 2 Samuel 5:19, 23 – Twice before battling the Philistines, David inquires; God gives two distinct strategies. • 1 Chronicles 21:17, 26-28 – David seeks the LORD during the plague that follows his census; God reveals the altar site, the sacrifice is offered, and judgment stops. • 2 Kings 22:13 – Josiah sends messengers “to inquire of the LORD” after discovering the Book of the Law; the prophetess Huldah explains impending judgment and personal mercy. Themes Linking These Episodes • Hidden Sin Exposed – Saul’s bloodguilt (2 Samuel 21) parallels Achan’s theft (Joshua 7) and the census pride (1 Chronicles 21). Inquiry unmasks the root cause that human eyes miss. • Covenant Integrity – Saul violated Israel’s oath to the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15-20). Likewise, Ai’s defeat stemmed from breaking the ban (Joshua 7:11). God guards covenants and expects fidelity. • Leadership Accountability – Joshua, judges, kings, and reformers each bear responsibility to seek divine counsel on behalf of the people. • Varied Means of Revelation – Direct speech (2 Samuel 21:1), prophetic word (2 Kings 22:14-15), Urim-ephod (1 Samuel 23:9-12), and angelic appearance (1 Chronicles 21:16-18) all serve God’s unerring communication. • Restoration through Obedience – Once the cause is revealed, decisive action—whether executing justice on Achan, making restitution to the Gibeonites, or offering sacrifice—opens the door for God’s mercy. Word Insight: “Inquired” (Hebrew darash) • Carries the sense of diligently seeking, consulting, or investigating. • Emphasizes active dependence on God, not passive resignation. • Appears consistently in narratives where divine guidance reverses calamity. Personal Application Lens • Crises invite earnest seeking of the LORD’s face, expecting real answers. • God faithfully uncovers hidden issues when His people ask. • Obedience to the revealed word—no matter how difficult—positions believers for renewed blessing, just as Israel experienced when David made restitution and the famine ended (2 Samuel 21:14). |
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