A three-year famine leads David to inquire of the LORD: it is because Saul put the Gibeonites to death, violating Joshua's ancient covenant. David asks the Gibeonites what will make atonement; they request seven of Saul's descendants to hang before the LORD. David spares Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake but gives up Armoni and Mephibosheth (Saul's sons by Rizpah) and five sons of Merab. Rizpah guards the bodies from birds and beasts until rain comes; moved, David properly buries Saul, Jonathan, and the seven. Four Philistine giants are killed: Ishbi-benob almost kills David until Abishai rescues him (prompting David's men to forbid him from further combat), Saph is killed by Sibbecai, the brother of Goliath is killed by Elhanan, and a six-fingered giant at Gath is killed by Jonathan son of Shimei David's brother.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 21 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
King of Israel whose reign is chronicled with both triumphs and failures
Woman with whom David committed adultery, later mother of Solomon
Prophet who confronted David about his sin and delivered God's covenant
David's son who rebelled and tried to take the throne
David's military commander, loyal but sometimes ruthless
First King of Israel
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Faithful Friend of David
Youngest Son of Jacob
Philistine Giant Champion
Places in This Chapter
Gibeah of Benjamin is remembered for two contrasting associations. Its darkest moment came in Judges 19-21 when its residents committed an atrocity that nearly led to Benjamin's extinction. Yet it later became the hometown of Saul, Israel's first king.
Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and the home of Goliath, the giant warrior who defied Israel. David fled to Gath to escape Saul and pretended to be insane before King Achish. The city was eventually conquered by David. The phrase "Tell it not in Gath" comes from David's lament over Saul and Jonathan.
Position in Book
Various events including famine, David's song, last words, census and plague.