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. And they buried the bones of Saul and his son JonathanThe 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. 1Sa 31:12-13 all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night… in Zela in the land of Benjamin, Zela was a town within the tribal territory of Benjamin, Saul's own tribe. This location is significant as it represents a return to their ancestral roots. The land of Benjamin is situated in the central highlands of Israel, a region that held historical and strategic importance. The burial in their tribal land underscores the restoration of honor to Saul's lineage and the reconciliation of past conflicts. Jos 18:28 Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem)… in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. Burying Saul and Jonathan in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father, emphasizes the restoration of family honor and lineage. Kish was a Benjamite of some standing, and this burial site would have been a place of familial significance. This act also symbolizes the continuity of the family line and the respect for one's ancestors, a deeply held value in Israelite culture. 1Sa 14:51 Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons… After they had done everything the king had commanded, This phrase indicates obedience to King David's orders, reflecting the importance of following the king's directives in ancient Israel. David's command to bury Saul and Jonathan properly was part of his efforts to bring peace and healing to the nation after a period of famine, which was believed to be a divine judgment related to Saul's actions against the Gibeonites. 1Ki 2:38-40 “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant…”… God answered their prayers for the land. The resolution of the famine following the burial suggests divine approval and the restoration of favor. In the biblical narrative, the land's prosperity is often linked to the people's faithfulness and obedience to God. This outcome highlights the belief in a covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to blessing. The act of burying Saul and Jonathan can be seen as a step towards national reconciliation and divine blessing, aligning with the biblical theme of repentance and restoration. 2Ch 7:13-14 If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command… 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 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 31Describes 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.
People Abishai, Adriel, Aiah, Amorites, Armoni, Barzillai, Benjamin, David, Elhanan, Gibeon, Gibeonites, Goliath, Ishbibenob, Israelites, Jaareoregim, Jabesh, Jair, Jonathan, Kish, Mephibosheth, Merab, Michal, Rapha, Rizpah, Saph, Saul, Shimea, Shimeah, Shimei, Sibbecai, Sibbechai, ZeruiahPlaces Beth-shan, Gath, Gibeah, Gilboa, Gob, Jabesh-gilead, Jerusalem, ZelaTopics Afterwards, Behalf, Benjamin, Bones, Buried, Bury, Burying-place, Commanded, Ear, Entreated, Grave, Heeded, Intreated, Jonathan, Kish, Moved, Orders, Performed, Prayer, Prayers, Propitious, Resting-place, Saul, Saul's, Sepulcher, Sepulchre, Supplications, Thus, Tomb, Zela, ZelahDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 21:12-14Library Divers Matters. I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Exile Continued. Samuel 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 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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