Topical Encyclopedia During the reign of King David, the Bible records a significant instance of famine that had profound implications for the nation of Israel. This event is detailed in the book of 2 Samuel and is deeply intertwined with the themes of justice, covenant, and divine intervention.The Three-Year Famine (2 Samuel 21:1-14) The most notable famine during David's reign occurred over a period of three years. The Scripture states: "During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, 'It is because of Saul and his bloodstained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.'" (2 Samuel 21:1). This famine was not merely a natural disaster but was understood as a divine response to a breach of covenant. The Gibeonites, who were not Israelites but had a treaty with Israel dating back to the time of Joshua (Joshua 9), had been wronged by Saul, David's predecessor. Saul, in his zeal for Israel and Judah, had sought to annihilate them, violating the oath made by the Israelites to spare them. David, upon learning the cause of the famine, sought to make amends with the Gibeonites to lift the divine judgment. The Gibeonites requested the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants as retribution. David complied, sparing Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, due to his covenant with Jonathan. The seven descendants were handed over and executed, and after this act of justice, God responded to the plea for the land, and the famine was lifted. This event highlights several key themes: 1. Covenant Faithfulness: The famine underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness. The breach of the treaty with the Gibeonites brought about divine displeasure, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable to their promises, even those made generations prior. 2. Divine Justice and Mercy: The resolution of the famine through the execution of Saul's descendants illustrates the severe nature of divine justice. However, it also shows God's mercy, as the famine was lifted following the act of reparation, indicating that God is responsive to acts of justice and repentance. 3. Leadership and Responsibility: David's role in seeking the cause of the famine and addressing it reflects the responsibility of leadership to seek divine guidance and rectify wrongs. His actions show the importance of leaders being attuned to the spiritual and moral state of the nation. The famine during David's reign serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of spiritual fidelity, justice, and the well-being of a nation. It illustrates the biblical principle that obedience to God's commands and faithfulness to covenants are crucial for the prosperity and peace of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 21:1Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Questions. Letter Liii. To Paulinus. A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Book iii. New Testament History and Prophecy. The Book of Jubilees In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection Book ii. Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Was the killing of Saul's descendants a just response to Saul's killing of the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.org Famine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Famine in Jerusalem, from Siege Famine: A Dearth of the Means of Grace Famine: Caused by Blasting and Mildew Famine: Caused by Devastation by Enemies Famine: Caused by God's Blessing Withheld Famine: Caused by Rotting of the Seed in the Ground Famine: Caused by Swarms of Insects Famine: Caused by Want of Seasonable Rain Famine: Caused: Blackness of the Skin Famine: Caused: Burning and Fever Famine: Caused: Grief and Mourning Famine: Caused: Wasting of the Body Famine: Expressed by Cleanness of Teeth Famine: Expressed by Taking Away the Stay of Bread Famine: Expressed by The Arrows of Famine Famine: God Provided for his People During Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Day of the Judges Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Abraham Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Isaac Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Joseph Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Ahab Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Claudius Caesar Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of David Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Jeremiah Famine: Instances of, in Scripture of Seven Years Foretold by Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: After the Captivity Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: Before Destruction of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Samaria Famine: Often Accompanied by War Famine: Often Followed by Pestilence Famine: Often on Account of Sin Famine: One of God's Four Sore Judgments Famine: Pharaoh Forewarned of, in Dreams Famine: Provisions Sold by Weight During Famine: Righteous Delivered From Famine: Suffering of Brute Creation From Famine: The Jews in Their Restored State not to be Afflicted By Famine: Things Eaten During: Donkey's Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Dung Famine: Things Eaten During: Human Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Wild Herbs Related Terms |
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