2 Samuel 21:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 21:1 mean?

2 Samuel 21:1 describes a time during King David’s reign when Israel experienced a three-year famine. David asks the LORD why this is happening, and the LORD answers that it is because of Saul and his violent actions against the Gibeonites.

The verse sets the scene during David’s rule, showing a national crisis—a famine lasting three years. David seeks guidance from the LORD (the God of Israel), and the LORD responds that the famine is a consequence of Saul’s earlier wrongdoing toward the Gibeonites, a group Israel had sworn to protect. This verse introduces a situation where past actions are affecting the present, and David is seeking to understand and address the cause.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 21:1

• "famine" (רָעָב, ra'av): This word means a severe shortage of food. Its use here highlights the seriousness of the crisis facing Israel, not just a bad harvest but a prolonged, life-threatening lack.
• "enquired" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means to seek or ask earnestly. David is not just casually asking; he is urgently seeking an answer from the LORD.
• "bloody" (דָּמִים, damim): This word literally means "bloods" and often refers to bloodshed or acts of violence. The LORD’s answer points to Saul’s guilt in shedding innocent blood.
• "slew" (הֵמִית, hemit): This verb means to kill or put to death. The LORD specifically points to Saul’s act of killing the Gibeonites as the reason for the famine.

Why 2 Samuel 21:1 matters

• The verse clarifies that not all disasters are random; sometimes, the Bible presents them as consequences of past actions, even from previous generations.
• It highlights the seriousness of broken promises and violence, especially in the context of Israel’s covenant with the Gibeonites, which Saul violated.
• This verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where David seeks to resolve the wrong done to the Gibeonites and restore blessing to Israel.