2 Samuel 21:14
And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was entreated for the land.
2 Samuel 21:14 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of 2 Samuel recounts the burial of Saul, the first king of Israel, and his son Jonathan. After their deaths in battle, their bones were buried in the country of Benjamin, in the sepulchre of Kish, Saul's father. This act of honoring the fallen king and his son was seen as a fulfillment of the king's command, demonstrating obedience and respect for their legacy. The verse also highlights that after the burial, God was entreated for the land, suggesting that the honoring of Saul and Jonathan led to a change in the spiritual atmosphere of the land. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring our ancestors and the impact it can have on our spiritual lives. It also signifies the importance of following through with our responsibilities and the positive outcome that can result from our obedience.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse is the importance of honoring and respecting the dead. The burial of Saul and Jonathan in the sepulchre of Kish, Saul's father, highlights the significance of familial connection and tradition in the context of death. By fulfilling the king's command to bury Saul and Jonathan properly, the people demonstrated their obedience and reverence for authority. Additionally, by mentioning that God was entreated for the land after the burial, the verse suggests a connection between honoring the deceased and receiving blessings from God. This relationship between honoring the dead and receiving divine favor reflects the belief in the importance of showing respect for the deceased as a way to maintain harmony and blessings in the land.
2 Samuel 21:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was entreated for the land.
World English Bible
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 was entreated for the land.
Douay-Rheims
And they buried them with the bones of Saul, and of Jonathan his son in the land of Benjamin, in the side, in the sepulchre of Cis his father: and they did all that the king had commanded, and God shewed mercy again to the land after these things.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the bones of Saul and of Ionathan his sonne buried they in the coutrey of Beniamin in Zelah, in the graue of Kish his father: and when they had perfourmed all that the King had commanded, God was then appeased with the land.