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2 Samuel 21

BSB·22 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1During the reignבִּימֵ֨יbî·mê — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of Davidדָוִ֜דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → there wasוַיְהִ֣יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a famineרָעָב֩rā·‘āḇ — Famine; severe scarcity of foodH7458 — Full Word Study → for threeשָׁלֹ֣שׁšā·lōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → successive yearsשָׁנִ֗יםšā·nîm — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study →, and Davidדָּוִ֖דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → soughtוַיְבַקֵּ֥שׁway·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → the faceפְּנֵ֣יpə·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֑הסyə·h·wå̄·hs — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. And the LORDיְהוָ֗הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “It is because ofאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the bloodהַדָּמִ֔יםhad·dā·mîm — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → shed by Saulשָׁאוּל֙šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶל־wə·’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his familyבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, becauseאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → he killedהֵמִ֖יתhê·mîṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → the Gibeonitesהַגִּבְעֹנִֽים׃hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm — Inhabitant of GibeonH1393 — Full Word Study →.” 2At this, Davidהַמֶּ֛לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → summonedוַיִּקְרָ֥אway·yiq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → the Gibeonitesוְהַגִּבְעֹנִ֞יםwə·hag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm — Inhabitant of GibeonH1393 — Full Word Study → and spokeוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵיהֶ֑ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →. (Now the Gibeonitesלַגִּבְעֹנִ֖יםlag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm — Inhabitant of GibeonH1393 — Full Word Study → wereהֵ֗מָּהhêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → Israelitesמִבְּנֵ֧יmib·bə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, butכִּ֚יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → a remnantמִיֶּ֣תֶרmî·ye·ṯer — remainder, excess, superiorityH3499 — Full Word Study → of the Amoritesהָאֱמֹרִ֔יhā·’ĕ·mō·rî — Canaanite peoplesH567 — Full Word Study →. The Israelitesוּבְנֵ֤יū·ḇə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → had taken an oath concerning themנִשְׁבְּע֣וּniš·bə·‘ū — To swear an oath; to bind oneself by solemn promiseH7650 — Full Word Study →, but in his zealבְּקַנֹּאת֥וֹbə·qan·nō·ṯōw — to be jealous, zealous, or enviousH7065 — Full Word Study → for Israelלִבְנֵֽי־liḇ·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → and Judahוִיהוּדָֽה׃wî·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, Saulשָׁאוּל֙šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → had soughtוַיְבַקֵּ֤שׁway·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → to kill themלְהַכֹּתָ֔םlə·hak·kō·ṯām — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study →.) 3So Davidדָּוִד֙dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the Gibeonitesהַגִּבְעֹנִ֔יםhag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm — Inhabitant of GibeonH1393 — Full Word Study →, “Whatמָ֥הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → shall I doאֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה’e·‘ĕ·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → for you? Howוּבַמָּ֣הū·ḇam·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → can I make amendsאֲכַפֵּ֔ר’ă·ḵap·pêr — To atone; to cover sin and make reconciliationH3722 — Full Word Study → so that you may blessוּבָרְכ֖וּū·ḇā·rə·ḵū — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → the inheritanceנַחֲלַ֥תna·ḥă·laṯ — Inheritance; received possession or propertyH5159 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָֽה׃Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →?” 4The Gibeonitesהַגִּבְעֹנִ֗יםhag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm — Inhabitant of GibeonH1393 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֧אמְרוּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to him, “We need noאֵֽין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → silverכֶּ֤סֶףke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → or goldוְזָהָב֙wə·zā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study → fromעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֣וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → orוְעִם־wə·‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → his houseבֵּית֔וֹbê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, norוְאֵֽין־wə·’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → should youאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → put to deathלְהָמִ֣יתlə·hā·mîṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → anyone in Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לbə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → for us.” “Whateverמָֽה־māh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → youאַתֶּ֥ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → askוַיֹּ֛אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, I will doאֶעֱשֶׂ֥ה’e·‘ĕ·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → for you,” he repliedאֹמְרִ֖ים’ō·mə·rîm — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. 5And they answeredוַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙way·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, “As for the manהָאִישׁ֙hā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → consumed usכִּלָּ֔נוּkil·lā·nū — to finish, complete, or bring to an endH3615 — Full Word Study → andוַאֲשֶׁ֖רwa·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → plottedדִּמָּה־dim·māh- — To resemble, liken, or compareH1819 — Full Word Study → against us to exterminate usנִשְׁמַ֕דְנוּniš·maḏ·nū — to destroy utterly, annihilate, or lay wasteH8045 — Full Word Study → from existingמֵֽהִתְיַצֵּ֖בmê·hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ — To stand, take a stand, present oneselfH3320 — Full Word Study → within anyבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → borderגְּבֻ֥לgə·ḇul — boundary, border, or limit of a regionH1366 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, 6let sevenשִׁבְעָ֤הšiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → of his male descendantsמִבָּנָ֔יוmib·bā·nāw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → be deliveredיְנָתָןyə·nå̄·ṯå̄n — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → to us so that we may hang themוְהוֹקַֽעֲנוּם֙wə·hō·w·qa·‘ă·nūm — To dislocate, be put out of joint, hangH3363 — Full Word Study → before the LORDלַֽיהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → at Gibeahבְּגִבְעַ֥תbə·ḡiḇ·‘aṯ — A hill or elevated placeH1390 — Full Word Study → of Saulשָׁא֖וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →, the chosenבְּחִ֣ירbə·ḥîr — chosen one, electH972 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֑הסyə·h·wå̄·hs — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →.” “Iאֲנִ֥י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will give them to youאֶתֵּֽן׃’et·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. 7Now the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → sparedוַיַּחְמֹ֣לway·yaḥ·mōl — to spare, show pity or compassionH2550 — Full Word Study → Mephiboshethמְפִי־mə·p̄î- — Shame destroyerH4648 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Jonathanיְהוֹנָתָ֣ןyə·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study →, the sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Saulשָׁא֑וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →, because ofעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the oathשְׁבֻעַ֤תšə·ḇu·‘aṯ — Oath, sworn vow, or curseH7621 — Full Word Study → before the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → betweenבֵּֽינֹתָ֔םbê·nō·ṯām — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִ֔דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → andוּבֵ֖יןū·ḇên — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → Jonathanיְהוֹנָתָ֥ןyə·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Saulשָׁאֽוּל׃šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →. 8But the kingהַמֶּ֡לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → tookוַיִּקַּ֣חway·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → Armoniאַרְמֹנִ֖י’ar·mō·nî — Palace or fortressH764 — Full Word Study → and Mephiboshethמְפִבֹ֑שֶׁתmə·p̄i·ḇō·šeṯ — Shame destroyerH4648 — Full Word Study →, the twoשְׁ֠נֵיšə·nê — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → sonsבְּנֵ֨יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → whomאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Rizpahרִצְפָּ֤הriṣ·pāh — A burning coal; glowing emberH7532 — Full Word Study → daughterבַת־ḇaṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Aiahאַיָּה֙’ay·yāh — Hawk or kiteH345 — Full Word Study → had borneיָלְדָ֣הyā·lə·ḏāh — to give birth, beget, or bear a childH3205 — Full Word Study → to Saulלְשָׁא֔וּלlə·šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study →, as well as the fiveחֲמֵ֗שֶׁתḥă·mê·šeṯ — The number five; a set of five unitsH2568 — Full Word Study → sonsבְּנֵי֙bə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → whomאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Merabמִיכַ֣לmî·ḵal — Who is like GodH4324 — Full Word Study → daughterבַּת־baṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Saulשָׁא֔וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → had borneיָלְדָ֛הyā·lə·ḏāh — to give birth, beget, or bear a childH3205 — Full Word Study → to Adrielלְעַדְרִיאֵ֥לlə·‘aḏ·rî·’êl — God is my helpH5741 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Barzillaiבַּרְזִלַּ֖יbar·zil·lay — Man of ironH1271 — Full Word Study → the Meholathiteהַמְּחֹלָתִֽי׃ham·mə·ḥō·lā·ṯî — From Meholah, a placeH4259 — Full Word Study →. 9And he delivered themוַֽיִּתְּנֵ֞םway·yit·tə·nêm — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → into the handsבְּיַ֣דbə·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of the Gibeonitesהַגִּבְעֹנִ֗יםhag·giḇ·‘ō·nîm — Inhabitant of GibeonH1393 — Full Word Study →, and they hanged themוַיֹּקִיעֻ֤םway·yō·qî·‘um — To dislocate, be put out of joint, hangH3363 — Full Word Study → on the hillבָּהָר֙bā·hār — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֣יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. So all seven of themשִׁבְעָתַיִםšiḇ·ʿå̄·ṯa·yim — Seven times; sevenfold multiplication or repetitionH7659 — Full Word Study → fellוַיִּפְּל֥וּway·yip·pə·lū — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → togetherיָ֑חַדyā·ḥaḏ — together, united, as oneH3162 — Full Word Study →; theyוְהֵםwə·hēm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → were put to deathהֻמְת֜וּhum·ṯū — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → in the firstבָּרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔יםbā·ri·šō·nîm — First, foremost, or former; earliest in time or orderH7223 — Full Word Study → daysבִּימֵ֤יbî·mê — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of the harvestקָצִיר֙qā·ṣîr — Harvest; the reaping of crops or figuratively, a limb or branchH7105 — Full Word Study →, at the beginningתְּחִלַּתtə·ḥil·laṯ — beginning, first occurrence, initial timeH8462 — Full Word Study → of the barleyשְׂעֹרִֽים׃śə·‘ō·rîm — barley; a cereal grainH8184 — Full Word Study → harvestקְצִ֥ירqə·ṣîr — Harvest; the reaping of crops or figuratively, a limb or branchH7105 — Full Word Study →. 10And Rizpahרִצְפָּה֩riṣ·pāh — A burning coal; glowing emberH7532 — Full Word Study → the daughterבַת־ḇaṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Aiahאַיָּ֨ה’ay·yāh — Hawk or kiteH345 — Full Word Study → tookוַתִּקַּ֣חwat·tiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → sackclothהַשַּׂ֜קhaś·śaq — Coarse cloth worn as a sign of mourning or repentanceH8242 — Full Word Study → and spread it outוַתַּטֵּ֨הוּwat·taṭ·ṭê·hū — to stretch out, extend, incline, bendH5186 — Full Word Study → for herself onאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → a rockהַצּוּר֙haṣ·ṣūr — Rock; stone; strength; fortressH6697 — Full Word Study →. From the beginningמִתְּחִלַּ֣תmit·tə·ḥil·laṯ — beginning, first occurrence, initial timeH8462 — Full Word Study → of the harvestקָצִ֔ירqā·ṣîr — Harvest; the reaping of crops or figuratively, a limb or branchH7105 — Full Word Study → untilעַ֛ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the rainמַ֥יִםma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → from heavenהַשָּׁמָ֑יִםhaš·šā·mā·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study → poured downנִתַּךְ־nit·taḵ- — to pour out, melt, or flowH5413 — Full Word Study → on the bodiesעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם‘ă·lê·hem — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, she did not allowנָתְנָה֩nā·ṯə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the birdsע֨וֹף‘ō·wp̄ — birdH5775 — Full Word Study → of the airהַשָּׁמַ֜יִםhaš·šā·ma·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study → to restלָנ֤וּחַlā·nū·aḥ — To rest, cease, or remain in a state of quietnessH5117 — Full Word Study → on themעֲלֵיהֶם֙‘ă·lê·hem — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → by dayיוֹמָ֔םyō·w·mām — During the day; daytime; by dayH3119 — Full Word Study →, norוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the beastsחַיַּ֥תḥay·yaṯ — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study → of the fieldהַשָּׂדֶ֖הhaś·śā·ḏeh — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study → by nightלָֽיְלָה׃lā·yə·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study →. 11When Davidלְדָוִ֑דlə·ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → was toldוַיֻּגַּ֖דway·yug·gaḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → whatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Saul’sשָׁאֽוּל׃šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → concubineפִּלֶ֥גֶשׁpi·le·ḡeš — A woman in a secondary or concubine relationship, below the status of a wifeH6370 — Full Word Study → Rizpahרִצְפָּ֥הriṣ·pāh — A burning coal; glowing emberH7532 — Full Word Study →, daughterבַת־ḇaṯ- — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → of Aiahאַיָּ֖ה’ay·yāh — Hawk or kiteH345 — Full Word Study →, had doneעָשְׂתָ֛ה‘ā·śə·ṯāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →, 12heדָּוִ֗דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֣לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and tookוַיִּקַּ֞חway·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the bonesעַצְמ֤וֹת‘aṣ·mō·wṯ — bone; body; substance; strengthH6106 — Full Word Study → of Saulשָׁאוּל֙šā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → and his sonבְּנ֔וֹbə·nōw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Jonathanיְהוֹנָתָ֣ןyə·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → fromמֵאֵ֕תmê·’êṯ — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the menבַּעֲלֵ֖יba·‘ă·lê — Master, owner, lord, husbandH1167 — Full Word Study → of Jabesh-gileadיָבֵ֣ישׁyā·ḇêš — Jabesh (Gilead), a city east of the Jordan RiverH3003 — Full Word Study →, who had stolenגָּנְב֨וּgā·nə·ḇū — to steal; to take secretly or by stealthH1589 — Full Word Study → themאֹתָ֜ם’ō·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → from the public squareמֵרְחֹ֣בmê·rə·ḥōḇ — public square, street, plazaH7339 — Full Word Study → of Beth-shanבֵּֽית־bêṯ- — Beth-shean, a fortified city in the Jordan ValleyH1052 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesהַפְּלִשְׁתִּיםhap·pə·liš·tīm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study → had hung the bodies afterבְּי֨וֹםbə·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → they had struck downהַכּ֧וֹתhak·kō·wṯ — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → Saulשָׁא֖וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → at Gilboaבַּגִּלְבֹּֽעַ׃bag·gil·bō·a‘ — Hill of springsH1533 — Full Word Study →. 13So David had the bones of Saulשָׁא֔וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → his sonבְּנ֑וֹbə·nōw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Jonathanיְהוֹנָתָ֣ןyə·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → broughtוַיַּ֤עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → from thereמִשָּׁם֙miš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →, along with the bonesעַצְמ֖וֹת‘aṣ·mō·wṯ — bone; body; substance; strengthH6106 — Full Word Study → of those who had been hangedהַמּוּקָעִֽים׃ham·mū·qā·‘îm — To dislocate, be put out of joint, hangH3363 — Full Word Study →. 14And they buriedוַיִּקְבְּר֣וּway·yiq·bə·rū — to bury, to entomb the deadH6912 — Full Word Study → the bonesעַצְמוֹת־‘aṣ·mō·wṯ- — bone; body; substance; strengthH6106 — Full Word Study → of Saulשָׁא֣וּלšā·’ūl — Asked of GodH7586 — Full Word Study → and his sonבְּ֠נוֹbə·nōw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → Jonathanוִיהוֹנָֽתָן־wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān- — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → in Zelaבְּצֵלָ֗עbə·ṣê·lā‘ — A city in BenjaminH6762 — Full Word Study → in the landבְּאֶ֨רֶץbə·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Benjaminבִּנְיָמִ֜ןbin·yā·min — Son of the right handH1144 — Full Word Study →, in the tombבְּקֶ֙בֶר֙bə·qe·ḇer — A grave or burial place; a tombH6913 — Full Word Study → of Saul’s fatherאָבִ֔יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → Kishקִ֣ישׁqîš — Bow; powerH7027 — Full Word Study →. Afterאַֽחֲרֵי־’a·ḥă·rê- — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → they had doneוַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּway·ya·‘ă·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → everythingכֹּ֥לkōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → had commandedצִוָּ֖הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study →, Godאֱלֹהִ֛ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → answered their prayersוַיֵּעָתֵ֧רway·yê·‘ā·ṯêr — To entreat, plead, or pray earnestlyH6279 — Full Word Study → for the landלָאָ֖רֶץlā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. 15Once againע֧וֹד‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesלַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖יםlap·pə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study → waged warמִלְחָמָ֛הmil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → againstאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and Davidדָּוִ֜דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his servantsוַעֲבָדָ֥יוwa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → went downוַיֵּ֨רֶדway·yê·reḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → and foughtוַיִּלָּחֲמ֥וּway·yil·lā·ḥă·mū — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → againstאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖יםpə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study →; but Davidדָּוִֽד׃dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → became exhaustedוַיָּ֥עַףway·yā·‘ap̄ — to be weary, faint, or exhaustedH5888 — Full Word Study →. 16Then Ishbi-benobבְּנֹ֜בbə·nōḇ — Ishbi-benob, a Philistine giantH3430 — Full Word Study →, a descendantבִּילִידֵ֣יbî·lî·ḏê — One born; offspring; native-born personH3211 — Full Word Study → of Raphaהָרָפָ֗הhā·rā·p̄āh — Giant; member of the Rephaim raceH7497 — Full Word Study →, whose bronzeנְחֹ֔שֶׁתnə·ḥō·šeṯ — Copper; bronze; metal object; figuratively, something base or vileH5178 — Full Word Study → spearקֵינוֹ֙qê·nōw — Spear, javelin, or lanceH7013 — Full Word Study → weighedוּמִשְׁקַ֤לū·miš·qal — weight, heaviness, or burdenH4948 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹ֤שׁšə·lōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵאוֹת֙mê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → shekels and whoוְה֖וּאwə·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → was bearingחָג֣וּרḥā·ḡūr — to gird, encircle, or prepare oneselfH2296 — Full Word Study → a new sword, resolvedוַיֹּ֖אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to killלְהַכּ֥וֹתlə·hak·kō·wṯ — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → Davidדָּוִֽד׃dā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study →. 17But Abishaiאֲבִישַׁ֣י’ă·ḇî·šay — Abishai, David's military commander and nephewH52 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zeruiahצְרוּיָ֔הṣə·rū·yāh — Zeruiah, David's sisterH6870 — Full Word Study → came to his aidוַיַּֽעֲזָר־way·ya·‘ă·zār- — to help, aid, supportH5826 — Full Word Study →, struckוַיַּ֥ךְway·yaḵ — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the Philistineהַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖יhap·pə·liš·tî — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study →, and killed himוַיְמִיתֵ֑הוּway·mî·ṯê·hū — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →. Thenאָ֣ז’āz — Then; at that time; thereforeH227 — Full Word Study → David’sדָוִ֨דḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → menאַנְשֵׁי־’an·šê- — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → sworeנִשְׁבְּעוּ֩niš·bə·‘ū — To swear an oath; to bind oneself by solemn promiseH7650 — Full Word Study → to him, “You must neverלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → againע֤וֹד‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → go outתֵצֵ֨אṯê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → with usאִתָּ֙נוּ֙’it·tā·nū — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → to battleלַמִּלְחָמָ֔הlam·mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study →, so that the lampנֵ֥רnêr — A lamp or light source; illuminationH5216 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃פyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → may notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → be extinguishedתְכַבֶּ֖הṯə·ḵab·beh — To extinguish or quench; to put outH3518 — Full Word Study →.” 18Some time laterאַֽחֲרֵי־’a·ḥă·rê- — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → at Gobבְּג֖וֹבbə·ḡō·wḇ — A Philistine cityH1359 — Full Word Study →, there wasוַֽיְהִי֙way·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → anotherע֧וֹד‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → battleהַמִּלְחָמָ֛הham·mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → withעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑יםpə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study →. At that timeאָ֣ז’āz — Then; at that time; thereforeH227 — Full Word Study → Sibbecaiסִבְּכַי֙sib·bə·ḵay — Sibbecai the HushathiteH5444 — Full Word Study → the Hushathiteהַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔יha·ḥu·šā·ṯî — Inhabitant of HushahH2843 — Full Word Study → killedהִכָּ֗הhik·kāh — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → Saphסַ֕ףsap̄ — A Philistine giantH5593 — Full Word Study →, one of the descendaאֲשֶׁ֖ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study →nts of Raphaהָרָפָֽה׃פhā·rā·p̄āh — Giant; member of the Rephaim raceH7497 — Full Word Study →. 19Once againע֧וֹד‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → there wasוַתְּהִי־wat·tə·hî- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a battleהַמִּלְחָמָ֛הham·mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → withעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → the Philistinesפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑יםpə·liš·tîm — PhilistineH6430 — Full Word Study → at Gobבְּג֖וֹבbə·ḡō·wḇ — A Philistine cityH1359 — Full Word Study →, and Elhananאֶלְחָנָן֩’el·ḥā·nān — God is graciousH445 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Jairאֹרְגִ֜ים’ō·rə·ḡîm — Jaare-oregim: a proper name meaning 'forests of the weavers'H3296 — Full Word Study → the Bethlehemiteהַלַּחְמִ֗יhal·laḥ·mî — Person from BethlehemH1022 — Full Word Study → killedוַיַּ֡ךְway·yaḵ — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the brother of Goliath the Gittiteהַגִּתִּ֔יhag·git·tî — Person from GathH1663 — Full Word Study →, the shaftוְעֵ֣ץwə·‘êṣ — Tree; wood; timberH6086 — Full Word Study → of whose spearחֲנִית֔וֹḥă·nî·ṯōw — Spear; a long-shafted weaponH2595 — Full Word Study → was like a weaver’sאֹרְגִֽים׃ס’ō·rə·ḡîm — To weave; to make cloth by interlacing threadsH707 — Full Word Study → beamכִּמְנ֖וֹרkim·nō·wr — Loom beam or weaver's shaftH4500 — Full Word Study →. 20And there wasוַתְּהִי־wat·tə·hî- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → still another battle at Gathבְּגַ֑תbə·ḡaṯ — A Philistine cityH1661 — Full Word Study →, where there was a manאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of great stature withוַיְהִ֣י׀way·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → sixשֵׁ֣שׁšêš — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → fingersוְאֶצְבְּעֹ֣תwə·’eṣ·bə·‘ōṯ — Finger or toeH676 — Full Word Study → on each handיָדָיו֩yā·ḏāw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → and sixוָשֵׁ֗שׁwā·šêš — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → toesוְאֶצְבְּעֹ֨תwə·’eṣ·bə·‘ōṯ — Finger or toeH676 — Full Word Study → on each footרַגְלָ֜יוraḡ·lāw — Foot; by extension, journey, way, or standingH7272 — Full Word Study →twenty-fourעֶשְׂרִ֤ים‘eś·rîm — The number twenty; a complete group or scoreH6242 — Full Word Study → in allמִסְפָּ֔רmis·pār — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study →. Heה֖וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → tooוְגַם־wə·ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → was descendedיֻלַּ֥דyul·laḏ — to give birth, beget, or bear a childH3205 — Full Word Study → from Raphaלְהָרָפָֽה׃lə·hā·rā·p̄āh — Giant; member of the Rephaim raceH7497 — Full Word Study →, 21and when he tauntedוַיְחָרֵ֖ףway·ḥā·rêp̄ — to reproach, defy, or insult; to blasphemeH2778 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, Jonathanיְה֣וֹנָתָ֔ןyə·hō·w·nā·ṯān — Yahweh has givenH3083 — Full Word Study → the sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of David’sדָוִֽד׃ḏā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִ֥י’ă·ḥî — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → Shimeiשִׁמְעִיšim·ʿī — The Lord hearsH8096 — Full Word Study → killed himוַיַּכֵּ֙הוּ֙way·yak·kê·hū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study →. 22So theseאֵ֛לֶּה’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → fourאַרְבַּ֥עַת’ar·ba·‘aṯ — The number four; a group of fourH702 — Full Word Study → descendantsיֻלְּד֥וּyul·lə·ḏū — to give birth, beget, or bear a childH3205 — Full Word Study → of Raphaלְהָרָפָ֖הlə·hā·rā·p̄āh — Giant; member of the Rephaim raceH7497 — Full Word Study → in Gathבְּגַ֑תbə·ḡaṯ — A Philistine cityH1661 — Full Word Study → fellוַיִּפְּל֥וּway·yip·pə·lū — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → at the handsבְיַד־ḇə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of Davidדָּוִ֖דdā·wiḏ — BelovedH1732 — Full Word Study → and his servantsעֲבָדָֽיו׃פ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 2 Samuel 21
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Second Samuel 21 illustrates how unresolved sin and broken covenants have serious consequences, while also demonstrating the importance of mercy, faithfulness, and remembrance in God's kingdom. The chapter opens with a three-year famine that David discovers is God's judgment for Saul's slaughter of the Gibeonites—a breach of an ancient covenant that Joshua's generation had made with them. After justice is executed, David honors the dead and continues defending Israel against the remaining Philistine giants. Throughout this narrative, we see God's sovereignty at work: He holds nations accountable for their sins, He values His covenants, and He protects His people through faithful leaders.

Verses 1–5: The Famine and Its Root Cause

David seeks the LORD during a devastating three-year famine. God reveals that the famine is not random—it is divine judgment for Saul's violation of the covenant made with the Gibeonites centuries earlier (Joshua 9). The text explains that despite being non-Israelites, the Gibeonites had a binding oath of protection from Israel. Saul, in his zeal to strengthen Israel, attempted to destroy them; this was a grave sin against both God's law and His honor. The Gibeonites are now the wronged party, and restitution must be made. This teaches us that sin has consequences, and that God takes covenants and oaths seriously—even those made with foreigners. Leaders cannot ignore the justice owed to the vulnerable, no matter their nationality.

Verses 6–9: Justice and Difficult Obedience

David asks what recompense will satisfy the Gibeonites. They demand seven of Saul's sons be executed. David agrees, but—crucially—he spares Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, because of his own covenant with Jonathan (verse 7). This shows David's integrity: he will execute justice, but he will not violate his own sacred oath. The seven are hanged at Gibeah during harvest time. This act is painful but necessary. True leadership sometimes requires making decisions that cost deeply, even executing judgment on the royal family, to maintain covenant faithfulness and restore God's blessing to the land.

Verses 10–14: Honor and Restoration

Rizpah's vigil is one of Scripture's most moving scenes. She guards the exposed bodies of her executed sons day and night, neither allowing birds nor beasts to defile them. When David hears of her faithfulness, he honors both her sacrifice and the memory of Saul and Jonathan by retrieving their bones and giving them proper burial. David then gathers the bones of the seven hanged men and buries them together in Benjamin. Only after this act of respect and restitution does God relent and bless the land again (verse 14). The message is clear: remembrance, honor, and proper closure are spiritually significant. God's blessing returns when injustice is acknowledged and the dead are treated with dignity.

Verses 15–22: Giants Defeated, David Protected

The chapter closes with David and his men fighting the remaining Philistine giants. David nearly falls to one giant, but Abishai rescues him. His men then forbid him from further combat, recognizing his irreplaceable value as Israel's "light" (verse 17). Over several engagements, David's men—Sibbechai, Elhanan, and Jonathan (David's nephew)—defeat four giants, including a man with six fingers and toes on each limb. These victories confirm that God's people are protected when they remain faithful and unified, and that strength comes not from individual heroics but from God's hand working through His servants.

Application for Today

This chapter challenges us to examine whether we honor our commitments to others, whether we address injustice promptly rather than ignore it, and whether we remember with gratitude those who sacrificed for us. As believers, we live under the New Covenant established by Christ; we are called to mercy, but also to justice. When we acknowledge our failures and seek to make restitution—even when it costs us—we align ourselves with God's heart and His blessing.

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