2 Samuel 21
The account of a three-year famine attributed to Saul's violation of the oath sworn to the Gibeonites creates an opportunity for David to atone for the sins of his predecessor and to demonstrate his commitment to justice and covenantal fidelity. The chapter opens with David's inquiry of YHWH regarding the famine, and YHWH's response that the famine is due to Saul's blood-guilt against the Gibeonites, a people with whom Israel had sworn an oath of peace. The Gibeonites' request for restitution—that seven of Saul's sons and grandsons be delivered to them for execution—is presented as a demand for justice and the restoration of covenant obligation. David's agreement to this demand, while difficult, establishes that he is willing to accept the consequences of his predecessor's sins. The chapter records the execution of Saul's seven sons and the burial of their bodies, yet it also records the devotion of Rizpah, Saul's concubine, who maintains vigil over the bodies. The narrative notes that David was moved by Rizpah's devotion and that he gathered the bones of Saul and Jonathan and gave them proper burial. The chapter concludes with a series of encounters between David's mighty men and Philistine giants. The theological significance lies in the demonstration that the establishment of peace and the restoration of justice sometimes requires the acceptance of difficult demands and the honoring of covenants made in the distant past.
2 Samuel 21:20
And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number — and he also was born to the giant — The narrative describes another giant, this one with an unusual physical condition: six fingers and six toes. The proliferation of giants suggests multiple encounters with oversized opponents.
2 Samuel 21:9
And he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the mountain before the LORD — and the seven of them perished together on the first day of the harvest, at the beginning of barley harvest — The Gibeonites execute the seven descendants, hanging them on the mountain before the LORD. The timing—
2 Samuel 21:21
And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David's brother, killed him — Jonathan the son of Shimei (possibly the same as Shimeah), David's brother, kills this giant. The reference to David's brother suggests a continuation of the Davidic family's tradition of defeating giants.
2 Samuel 21:18
After this there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of the giants — Sibbecai kills another giant, Saph, in battle at Gob. The victory continues David's success against Philistine forces.
2 Samuel 21:1
Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year, and David sought the face of the LORD — And the LORD said, It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he put the Gibeonites to death — A three-year famine afflicts Israel, and David seeks the LORD for explanation. The divine response reveals the cause: Saul's slaughter of the Gibeonites has incurred blood-guilt (*damim*) on the house. The Gibeonites, who had made a covenant with Israel (Joshua 9), were protected under that covenant; Saul's violation of the covenant brings judgment.