This verse from 2 Samuel 21:3 is part of a larger narrative about a famine plaguing Israel. The famine is understood to be divine punishment for Saul's earlier massacre of the Gibeonites, a people with whom Israel had an ancient covenant. David, as king, is trying to understand the cause of the famine and rectify the situation to appease God and end the suffering of his people.
Let's break down the verse:
"and David said to the Gibeonites...": This establishes the context. David is taking the initiative to address the situation by directly engaging with the Gibeonites.
"“What should I do for you?": David is asking the Gibeonites what they need to achieve reconciliation for the wrong that was done to them. This demonstrates his commitment to justice and to fulfilling Israel's obligations under their covenant.
"And with what should I make atonement, that you may bless Yahweh’s inheritance?”": This is the crucial part of the verse.
"And with what should I make atonement...": David recognizes that a wrong has been committed and that atonement (making amends, reconciliation) is necessary to appease the Gibeonites and, ultimately, God. He's asking them what kind of payment or restitution would satisfy their grievance.
"...that you may bless Yahweh’s inheritance?”": This reveals David's ultimate goal. "Yahweh's inheritance" refers to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. David wants the Gibeonites to "bless" Israel, which, in this context, means to lift the curse of the famine or to restore favor upon the land and its people. David understands that their forgiveness is crucial for the well-being of Israel and their relationship with God. He's hoping their satisfaction will lead them to remove the cause of the divine punishment.
In essence, the verse means:
David is asking the Gibeonites what he can do to right the wrong that Saul committed against them, so that the resulting famine affecting the people of Israel can be lifted and God's favor restored to the nation. He wants to know what form of compensation or redress would satisfy them and lead to a restoration of blessings upon Israel.
This verse from 2 Samuel 21:3 is part of a larger narrative about a famine plaguing Israel. The famine is understood to be divine punishment for Saul's earlier massacre of the Gibeonites, a people with whom Israel had an ancient covenant. David, as king, is trying to understand the cause of the famine and rectify the situation to appease God and end the suffering of his people.
Let's break down the verse:
"and David said to the Gibeonites...": This establishes the context. David is taking the initiative to address the situation by directly engaging with the Gibeonites.
"“What should I do for you?": David is asking the Gibeonites what they need to achieve reconciliation for the wrong that was done to them. This demonstrates his commitment to justice and to fulfilling Israel's obligations under their covenant.
"And with what should I make atonement, that you may bless Yahweh’s inheritance?”": This is the crucial part of the verse.
"And with what should I make atonement...": David recognizes that a wrong has been committed and that atonement (making amends, reconciliation) is necessary to appease the Gibeonites and, ultimately, God. He's asking them what kind of payment or restitution would satisfy their grievance.
"...that you may bless Yahweh’s inheritance?”": This reveals David's ultimate goal. "Yahweh's inheritance" refers to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. David wants the Gibeonites to "bless" Israel, which, in this context, means to lift the curse of the famine or to restore favor upon the land and its people. David understands that their forgiveness is crucial for the well-being of Israel and their relationship with God. He's hoping their satisfaction will lead them to remove the cause of the divine punishment.
In essence, the verse means:
David is asking the Gibeonites what he can do to right the wrong that Saul committed against them, so that the resulting famine affecting the people of Israel can be lifted and God's favor restored to the nation. He wants to know what form of compensation or redress would satisfy them and lead to a restoration of blessings upon Israel.