2 Samuel Chapter 21 — Justice and the Philistine Giants
David resolves a three-year famine by making restitution to the Gibeonites for Saul’s past sins and later oversees the defeat of several Philistine giants.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
2 Samuel 21:1
“There was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the face of the LORD.”
This verse highlights David's reliance on seeking God's guidance to understand the spiritual cause behind a national crisis.
2 Samuel 21:14
“They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father; and they performed all that the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer for the land.”
It shows the conclusion of the famine after justice was served and proper respect was shown to the former king's house.
2 Samuel 21:17
“But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him.”
This marks a transition in the narrative where David's warriors begin to protect the aging king in battle.
Chapter Summary
2 Samuel Chapter 21 opens with a three-year famine affecting Israel. Seeking the cause, David is told by the Lord that the famine is due to Saul's previous violation of a covenant with the Gibeonites. David approaches the Gibeonites to make atonement, and they request seven of Saul’s descendants to be executed. David spares Mephibosheth but delivers seven others. Rizpah, the mother of two of the men, maintains a vigil over their bodies, an act of devotion that eventually moves David to retrieve and properly bury the bones of Saul and Jonathan in their family tomb. Following these acts of justice and respect, God answers the prayers for the land and the famine ends. The chapter concludes by documenting four major battles against Philistine giants. David’s men, including Abishai and Elhanan, successfully defeat these formidable descendants of the giant in Gath, demonstrating the continued military strength of David’s kingdom as his servants take on greater roles in battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The famine lasted three years because King Saul had broken a sacred covenant by killing Gibeonites. The Lord revealed to David that the famine was a consequence of the bloodguilt on Saul's house for this act of violence.
Rizpah, a concubine of Saul, guarded the bodies of seven executed descendants of Saul to prevent scavengers from touching them. She remained on a rock in sackcloth from the beginning of the harvest until the rains fell, showing great devotion and grief.
The chapter lists four giants from Gath, including Ishbibenob, Saph, a brother of Goliath, and a man with twenty-four digits. They were all descendants of the giant in Gath and were killed by David’s servants and relatives.
Study Note
The retrieval of Saul and Jonathan's bones from Jabesh Gilead demonstrates David's continued commitment to honoring the house of Saul despite their past conflicts.
Related Chapters
Joshua 9
This chapter details the original treaty between Israel and the Gibeonites that Saul violated.
1 Samuel 31
Provides the context for the death of Saul and Jonathan, whose remains David reburies in this chapter.
1 Samuel 17
The original account of David's battle with a Philistine giant, setting the stage for these later conflicts.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.