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2 Samuel 21:2

2 Samuel 21:1 net — The Gibeonites Demand Revenge During David’s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years. So David inquired of…

NET Bible

"The Gibeonites Demand Revenge During David’s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years. So David inquired of the LORD. The LORD said,“It is because of Saul and his bloodstained family, because he murdered the Gibeonites.”"

— 2 Samuel 21:1, NET Bible

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2 Samuel 21:1 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 21 — Context

1

The Gibeonites Demand Revenge During David’s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years. So David inquired of the LORD. The LORD said,“It is because of Saul and his bloodstained family, because he murdered the Gibeonites.”

2

So the king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke with them.(Now the Gibeonites were not descendants of Israel; they were a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had made a promise to them, but Saul tried to kill them because of his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah.)

3

David said to the Gibeonites,“What can I do for you, and how can I make amends so that you will bless the LORD’s inheritance?”

4

The Gibeonites said to him,“We have no claim to silver or gold from Saul or from his family, nor would we be justified in putting to death anyone in Israel.” David asked,“What then are you asking me to do for you?”

2 Samuel 21:1 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 21:1 say?
2 Samuel 21:1 in the NET Bible reads: “The Gibeonites Demand Revenge During David’s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years. So David inquired of the LORD. The LORD said,“It is because of Saul and his bloodstained family, because he murdered the Gibeonites.””
Where is 2 Samuel 21:1 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 21:1 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 21, verse 1.
Who wrote 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Nathan and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 2 Samuel about?
2 Samuel records David's reign — his rise to the throne, the conquest of Jerusalem, the eternal covenant God makes with his house, and the moral failure with Bathsheba that fractures his family. From the highs of triumph to the depths of repentance, David remains the messianic prototype.
What are the major themes of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel explores themes including Davidic Covenant, Sin & Repentance, Kingdom, Mercy, Consequences. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Samuel 21:1.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 21:1 in?
2 Samuel 21:1 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Samuel 21:1?
2 Samuel 21:1 reads (NET): “The Gibeonites Demand Revenge During David’s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years. So David inquired of the LORD. The LORD said,“It is because of Saul and his bloodstained family, because he murdered the Gibeonites.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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