2 samuel 21:12 - So David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines killed Saul in Gilboa;
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What does "2 samuel 21:12" mean?
This verse describes David retrieving the bodies (or bones) of Saul and Jonathan from the Philistines and giving them a proper burial. Let's break it down:
"So David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead...": David takes action to recover the remains of Saul and Jonathan. He obtains them from the men of Jabesh Gilead.
"...who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan...": The men of Jabesh Gilead had previously rescued the bodies. They bravely stole them from where they were displayed in Beth Shan by the Philistines.
"...where the Philistines had hanged them...": This explains why the bodies were in Beth Shan. After defeating Saul and his sons in battle at Mount Gilboa, the Philistines dishonored them by hanging their bodies in Beth Shan.
"...in the day that the Philistines killed Saul in Gilboa;": This sets the scene: the bodies were displayed after the Philistines' victory over Saul at Mount Gilboa.
In essence, the verse tells a story of:
1. Philistine Defeat: The Philistines defeated Saul and his sons in battle.
2. Dishonoring the Dead: The Philistines desecrated Saul and Jonathan's bodies by hanging them in Beth Shan.
3. Acts of Bravery: The men of Jabesh Gilead, remembering Saul's past kindness to them (as recounted in 1 Samuel 11), risked their lives to steal the bodies from the Philistines.
4. David's Respect: David retrieves the remains from Jabesh Gilead, signifying his respect for the deceased king and his loyal friend Jonathan, and his desire to ensure they receive a proper burial.
Significance:
Respect for the Dead: The verse highlights the importance of treating the dead with respect, even enemies. David's actions demonstrate this principle.
Loyalty and Gratitude: The men of Jabesh Gilead showed loyalty to Saul and gratitude for his past actions.
Contrasting Behaviors: The Philistines' behavior is contrasted with the honorable actions of the men of Jabesh Gilead and David, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect.
Resolution: This act sets the stage for a resolution to the troubles facing Israel described in the chapter. David's actions appease God and the cycle of famine is ended.
2 samuel 21:12 - So David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines killed Saul in Gilboa;
What does "2 samuel 21:12" mean?
This verse describes David retrieving the bodies (or bones) of Saul and Jonathan from the Philistines and giving them a proper burial. Let's break it down:
"So David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead...": David takes action to recover the remains of Saul and Jonathan. He obtains them from the men of Jabesh Gilead.
"...who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan...": The men of Jabesh Gilead had previously rescued the bodies. They bravely stole them from where they were displayed in Beth Shan by the Philistines.
"...where the Philistines had hanged them...": This explains why the bodies were in Beth Shan. After defeating Saul and his sons in battle at Mount Gilboa, the Philistines dishonored them by hanging their bodies in Beth Shan.
"...in the day that the Philistines killed Saul in Gilboa;": This sets the scene: the bodies were displayed after the Philistines' victory over Saul at Mount Gilboa.
In essence, the verse tells a story of:
1. Philistine Defeat: The Philistines defeated Saul and his sons in battle.
2. Dishonoring the Dead: The Philistines desecrated Saul and Jonathan's bodies by hanging them in Beth Shan.
3. Acts of Bravery: The men of Jabesh Gilead, remembering Saul's past kindness to them (as recounted in 1 Samuel 11), risked their lives to steal the bodies from the Philistines.
4. David's Respect: David retrieves the remains from Jabesh Gilead, signifying his respect for the deceased king and his loyal friend Jonathan, and his desire to ensure they receive a proper burial.
Significance:
Respect for the Dead: The verse highlights the importance of treating the dead with respect, even enemies. David's actions demonstrate this principle.
Loyalty and Gratitude: The men of Jabesh Gilead showed loyalty to Saul and gratitude for his past actions.
Contrasting Behaviors: The Philistines' behavior is contrasted with the honorable actions of the men of Jabesh Gilead and David, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect.
Resolution: This act sets the stage for a resolution to the troubles facing Israel described in the chapter. David's actions appease God and the cycle of famine is ended.