What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 21:5? And they answered the king David has summoned the Gibeonites to learn how Israel might atone for Saul’s sin against them (2 Samuel 21:1–2). Their reply opens with orderly respect: they “answered the king.” • Genuine dialogue shows honor for God’s appointed leader, just as Joseph’s brothers answered Pharaoh (Genesis 47:1–4) and the wise woman spoke to Joab (2 Samuel 20:16). • The Gibeonites’ measured approach contrasts with Saul’s rash zeal (1 Samuel 14:24), reminding us that righteous appeals begin with humility (1 Peter 5:5–6). As for the man who consumed us They single out Saul—“the man who consumed us”—highlighting personal responsibility. • “Consumed” evokes images of devouring fire (Deuteronomy 32:24) or locusts (Joel 1:4), stressing how Saul’s violence drained their life and safety. • Scripture never blurs accountability: Achan alone causes Israel’s defeat (Joshua 7:20–26); Judas bears his guilt (Acts 1:18–20). Likewise, Saul cannot hide behind national interests. and plotted against us Saul’s aggression was not accidental; it was deliberate. • His “zeal for Israel and Judah” (2 Samuel 21:2) twisted into conspiracy—like Haman’s plot against the Jews (Esther 3:8–9). • God sees every scheme (Psalm 94:7–11). When leaders misuse authority, the Lord still defends the oppressed (Psalm 72:12–14). to exterminate us from existing within any border of Israel The objective was genocide—erasing the Gibeonites from the Promised Land. • This violated the covenant Joshua made with their ancestors (Joshua 9:15). Breaking sworn oaths invites divine judgment (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5). • Israel’s borders were meant to safeguard sojourners who embraced the Lord (Exodus 12:49; Isaiah 56:6–7). Saul’s action defied both covenant mercy and the character of God, who “does not show partiality” (Deuteronomy 10:17–19). • By specifying “any border,” the Gibeonites underscore total annihilation, mirroring Pharaoh’s command to drown Hebrew infants (Exodus 1:22). God consistently intervenes when His people face extermination (2 Kings 19:19; Revelation 12:17). summary 2 Samuel 21:5 records the Gibeonites’ clear, respectful testimony before David: Saul had personally, intentionally, and comprehensively sought their destruction, breaking Israel’s covenant and inviting God’s wrath upon the nation. Their words affirm divine concern for justice, personal accountability, and covenant faithfulness—truths still vital for God’s people today. |
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