2 samuel 21:13 - and he brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son. They also gathered the bones of those who were hanged.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 21:13

What does "2 samuel 21:13" mean?


This verse in 2 Samuel 21:13 is part of a larger narrative dealing with King David's efforts to atone for a past wrong committed by his predecessor, King Saul. Let's break down what the verse means in that context:

Background: Earlier in the chapter, there's a famine in Israel, which is attributed to Saul's breaking of an ancient oath made by the Israelites to the Gibeonites. Saul had tried to exterminate the Gibeonites, despite the oath guaranteeing their safety.
Atonement: To appease the Gibeonites and lift the famine, David allows them to execute seven of Saul's descendants. These men are hanged.
Respect and Reconciliation: After the execution, Rizpah (one of Saul's concubines) keeps watch over the bodies of the hanged men, protecting them from scavengers. This act of mourning and defiance touches David.
The Verse's Significance:
"and he brought up from there the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son": David retrieves the bones of Saul and Jonathan from Jabesh-Gilead (where they had been buried after being killed in battle - see 1 Samuel 31). This is an act of respect and honor towards the deceased king and his son.
"They also gathered the bones of those who were hanged": David also gathers the bones of the seven descendants of Saul who were hanged. This shows a desire for reconciliation and closure after the tragic events. Collecting the bones and giving them a proper burial was an important cultural act.
Overall Meaning: The verse signifies David's attempt to bring closure to a dark chapter in Israel's history. By gathering the bones of both the former king's family and those who were executed to atone for his actions, David shows a commitment to justice, respect for the dead, and reconciliation. He arranges for the bones to be buried in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father, signaling an end to the conflict and a return to order. This act also likely aimed to appease any lingering resentment among Saul's supporters and solidify David's position as king.

In short, the verse marks a turning point towards healing and reconciliation after a period of famine and violence related to Saul's actions. It highlights David's efforts to right a wrong, show respect for the dead, and restore harmony to the kingdom.

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