The Gibeonites were a group of people descended from the Hivites, who lived in the land of Canaan during the time of Joshua. They are most notably recognized for their cunning treaty with the Israelites, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. Fearing the advancing Israelites, the Gibeonites resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty, pretending to be from a distant land (Joshua 9:3-15). Despite the deceit, the leaders of Israel swore an oath by the LORD to let them live, thus binding themselves to protect the Gibeonites.

The Gibeonites' account takes a significant turn during the reign of King Saul. In an act of zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul sought to annihilate the Gibeonites, violating the covenant made by Joshua. This breach of oath had severe consequences for Israel, as it brought about divine retribution during the reign of King David.

The narrative of the resulting plague is found in 2 Samuel 21:1-14. A famine struck Israel for three consecutive years, prompting David to seek the LORD's guidance. The LORD revealed that the famine was a result of Saul's bloodguilt for killing the Gibeonites. In response, David approached the Gibeonites to make amends. The Gibeonites requested the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants as retribution for the wrongs committed against them. David complied, sparing only Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, due to his covenant with Jonathan.

The execution of Saul's descendants appeased the Gibeonites, and subsequently, God responded to the plea for the land, lifting the famine (2 Samuel 21:14: "After that, God answered the prayer for the land"). This event underscores the seriousness with which God regards covenants and oaths, as well as the importance of justice and reparation for wrongs committed.

The account of the Gibeonites serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of covenants and the divine expectation for faithfulness and justice. It highlights the consequences of breaking oaths and the necessity of seeking reconciliation and restitution in accordance with God's righteous standards.2 Samuel 21:1
Then 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.
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... that purpose, yet he sorely punished and plagued them when ... Jacob nor of the house
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Who were the Nethinim? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Mephibosheth? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Gibeah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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