2 Samuel 21:14

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.

Study Bible

They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan
This phrase marks a significant moment of closure and respect for Saul and Jonathan, who were once prominent figures in Israel's history. The act of burial is deeply rooted in Hebrew tradition, signifying honor and the finality of life. In ancient Israel, proper burial was essential for maintaining family honor and ensuring peace for the deceased's soul. The bones, representing the remains of Saul and Jonathan, symbolize the end of a tumultuous era and the beginning of reconciliation and healing for the nation.

in the land of Benjamin
The land of Benjamin holds historical and tribal significance, as it was the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, to which Saul belonged. This location underscores the importance of tribal identity and heritage in ancient Israel. The burial in their ancestral land reflects a return to their roots and a restoration of dignity to Saul's lineage, despite his tragic end.

in Zela
Zela, a town within the territory of Benjamin, is mentioned here as the specific burial site. The choice of Zela may have been due to its proximity to the family's ancestral lands or its significance as a place of familial heritage. Archaeological evidence suggests that such towns often had family tombs, which were used for generations, emphasizing the continuity of family lines and the importance of maintaining connections to one's ancestors.

in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish
The mention of Kish's tomb highlights the importance of family lineage and the respect for one's forebears in Hebrew culture. Kish, Saul's father, was a man of standing within the tribe of Benjamin, and his tomb would have been a place of honor. By burying Saul and Jonathan here, the narrative restores a sense of familial honor and continuity, despite the political and personal failures that marked Saul's reign.

After they had done everything the king commanded
This phrase indicates obedience and the fulfillment of royal authority. The king, likely David in this context, represents God's anointed leader, and his commands are seen as divinely sanctioned. The completion of these commands signifies a restoration of order and justice, aligning with the biblical theme of obedience to God's chosen leaders as a pathway to blessing and peace.

God answered their prayers for the land
The conclusion of this verse highlights the divine response to human actions. The prayers for the land likely refer to petitions for relief from a famine or other calamity, which, according to earlier verses, was attributed to Saul's actions against the Gibeonites. The burial of Saul and Jonathan, in accordance with divine justice and royal command, leads to God's favor and the healing of the land. This reflects the biblical principle that righteousness and justice, when pursued, result in divine blessing and restoration. The narrative underscores the belief in a God who is responsive to the cries of His people and who desires to restore and bless the land when His people act in accordance with His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The 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 Dead
The 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

1. How does David's treatment of Saul and Jonathan's remains reflect his character and relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of honoring those who have passed in our own lives today?

3. How does the act of reconciliation in this passage relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from the people's obedience to David's command in terms of our own response to authority?

5. How does this passage encourage us to seek God's guidance and intervention in times of national or personal crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 31
Describes the death of Saul and Jonathan, providing context for their burial in 2 Samuel 21:14.

1 Samuel 24:20-22
Highlights David's promise to Saul to not cut off his descendants, showing David's integrity and respect for Saul's family.

Genesis 50:13
The burial of Jacob by his sons, which parallels the importance of honoring one's ancestors through proper burial.

Matthew 5:23-24
Jesus' teaching on reconciliation, which can be related to David's actions in seeking to make things right with Saul's family.