2 Samuel 21:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 21:5 mean?

2 Samuel 21:5 records the Gibeonites’ response to King David, explaining that the man who harmed them was responsible for trying to wipe them out completely from Israel’s land. The verse highlights their accusation that someone had both consumed them and plotted to destroy their people so none would remain in Israel.

The Gibeonites are speaking to King David during a time of famine, which they believe is connected to past wrongs done to them. They refer to Saul, Israel’s former king, as the man who “consumed” them and “devised” their destruction, blaming him for attempting to eliminate their community from Israel’s territory. This sets the stage for why they seek justice and why David is asking how to make things right.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 21:5

• “Consumed” (כָּלָה, kalah): This word often means to bring to an end, finish, or destroy completely. The Gibeonites are saying Saul tried to wipe them out, not just harm them a little.
• “Devised” (דָּמָה, damah): This word can mean to plan or plot. The Gibeonites accuse Saul of intentionally making plans for their destruction, showing it was not accidental.
• “Destroyed” (שָׁמַד, shamad): This word means to exterminate or annihilate. The Gibeonites stress that Saul’s actions aimed to erase them entirely from Israel.
• “Remaining” (יָצַב, yatsav): This word means to be left or to remain standing. The Gibeonites claim Saul wanted none of their people left in Israel’s borders.

Why 2 Samuel 21:5 matters

• The verse clarifies that the Gibeonites’ grievance is not just about a single act but about a deliberate attempt to destroy their whole community.
• The language used shows the seriousness of Saul’s actions and why the Gibeonites feel justice has not yet been done.
• Understanding this accusation helps explain why David is seeking a solution and why the famine is seen as connected to this unresolved injustice.