Overview
In 2 Samuel 21, a three-year famine plagued Israel during David's reign. God revealed that Saul had broken an ancient covenant with the Gibeonites and shed their blood. David sought restitution by returning their bones to proper burial, which ended the famine and restored God's blessing to the land.
Key Scriptures
"And the LORD said, 'There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death'" (2 Samuel 21:1, ESV).
"So David took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan... And after that God was moved by prayer for the land" (2 Samuel 21:13-14, ESV).
Application
Keep your commitments and covenants, for breaking oaths before God brings consequences not only to yourself but potentially to your household and community.