Topical Encyclopedia Armoni is a lesser-known figure in the Old Testament, specifically mentioned in the context of the tragic events that unfolded during the reign of King David. He was one of the sons of Saul, the first king of Israel, and his concubine Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. The account of Armoni is found in 2 Samuel 21, which details a period of famine and the subsequent actions taken by King David to address the situation.Biblical Account The narrative of Armoni is set against the backdrop of a three-year famine during David's reign. Seeking to understand the cause of this calamity, David inquired of the LORD, who revealed that the famine was due to Saul's bloodguilt for his massacre of the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites were a group that had been granted protection by the Israelites during the time of Joshua, but Saul, in his zeal for Israel and Judah, had sought to annihilate them. To atone for this sin and bring an end to the famine, David approached the Gibeonites to determine what could be done. The Gibeonites requested that seven of Saul's male descendants be handed over to them to be executed, thus avenging the bloodshed caused by Saul. David agreed to their request, sparing only Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, due to the covenant between David and Jonathan. 2 Samuel 21:8 : "So the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Saul by his concubine Rizpah daughter of Aiah, and the five sons of Saul’s daughter Merab, whom she had borne to Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite." Armoni, along with his brother Mephibosheth (not to be confused with Jonathan's son), and five other descendants of Saul, were handed over to the Gibeonites. They were put to death and their bodies were exposed on a hill before the LORD, as a form of retribution and to appease the divine justice required for the bloodguilt. Rizpah's Vigil The aftermath of Armoni's death is marked by the poignant actions of his mother, Rizpah. Demonstrating profound maternal devotion, Rizpah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain poured down from the heavens, she kept watch over the bodies, preventing birds and wild animals from desecrating them. Her actions eventually moved David to retrieve the bones of Saul and Jonathan, as well as those of the executed descendants, to give them a proper burial in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father. 2 Samuel 21:10 : "And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it out for herself on a rock. From the beginning of the harvest until the rain poured down from the heavens, she did not let the birds of the air rest on them by day or the beasts of the field by night." Theological Significance The account of Armoni and the other descendants of Saul highlights the serious nature of covenantal obligations and the consequences of violating them. It underscores the importance of justice and the need for atonement in the eyes of God. The narrative also reflects the complexities of leadership and the burdens of past sins that can affect future generations. Armoni's brief mention in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of human relationships and divine justice woven throughout the biblical narrative. His account, though tragic, is part of the larger redemptive history that unfolds in the pages of the Bible. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 21:8But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 764. Armoni -- a son of Saul... 763, 764. Armoni. 765 . a son of Saul. Transliteration: Armoni Phonetic Spelling: (ar-mo-nee') Short Definition: Armoni. Word Origin ... /hebrew/764.htm - 6k Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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