2 Samuel 21:2
And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)
2 Samuel 21:2 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the king is addressing the Gibeonites, who were not part of the children of Israel but were remnants of the Amorites. The children of Israel had previously made a sworn agreement with the Gibeonites, which Saul had attempted to break by seeking to slay them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah. This verse highlights the importance of keeping promises and honoring agreements, even when it may be inconvenient or challenging. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of not upholding commitments made in the past. Despite the differing origins of the Gibeonites, the Israelites were expected to treat them with respect and uphold the agreement made with them. Overall, this verse demonstrates the significance of integrity, faithfulness, and the repercussions of going back on one's word.
Theological Overview
Here, in 2 Samuel 21:2, we see King David calling upon the Gibeonites, a tribe not of Israelite descent but remnants of the Amorites. It is significant to note that the Israelites had made a covenant with the Gibeonites in the time of Joshua, promising not to harm them. However, in a display of misguided zeal, King Saul had sought to eliminate the Gibeonites, leading to repercussions that David now had to address. This verse highlights the importance of honoring commitments and the consequences of acting rashly without considering the implications of breaking sworn promises. It serves as a reminder of the obligations we have towards others and the need to recognize the long-term effects of our actions. Through theological interpretation, we can understand the complexities of human relationships and the importance of upholding agreements in the eyes of God.
2 Samuel 21:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah);
World English Bible
The king called the Gibeonites, and said to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saul sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah);
Douay-Rheims
Then the king, calling for the Gabaonites, said to them: (Now the Gabaonites were not of the children of Israel, but the remains of the Amorrhites: and the children of Israel had sworn to them, and Saul sought to slay them out of zeal, as it were for the children of Israel and Juda:)
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then ye King called the Gibeonites and said vnto them. (Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but a remnant of the Amorites, vnto whom ye children of Israel had sworne: but Saul sought to slay them for his zeale toward the children of Israel and Iudah)