2 Samuel 21

A three-year famine prompts David to seek divine explanation, revealing it as judgment for Saul's violation of Israel's ancient covenant with the Gibeonites. When the Gibeonites request the execution of seven of Saul's descendants as retribution, David complies, sparing only Mephibosheth out of covenant with Jonathan. Rizpah, mother of two victims, protects their bodies from scavengers until David provides proper burial for them and for Saul and Jonathan's remains. Four subsequent battles with Philistine giants are recounted, including an incident where David, now aging, is rescued by Abishai, leading his men to forbid his further battlefield participation. This chapter raises complex questions about corporate guilt and covenant obligations across generations—tensions that the New Testament addresses through Christ bearing our guilt and fulfilling all covenant obligations on our behalf.