2 Samuel Chapter 21 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How long did the famine, caused by a drought, last?

three years

What did the Lord say when David inquired Him about the famine?

It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites

Who did Saul kill and why?

The Gibeonites; to confiscate what was theirs, disregarding Joshua's vow to them, breaking the covenant made between the two peoples in the days of Joshua

Why did David feel the need to make atonement to the Gentile Gibeonites?

For God to respond to his prayers Signup and view all the answers

What did David say to the Gentile Gibeonites?

What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord? Signup and view all the answers

What did the Gibeonites seek?

They did not ask for any material benefit; but only asked for God's justice according to the Law of Moses. Signup and view all the answers

What had to be done since the killers of the Gibeonites were Saul and his house?

Seven of his descendants had to be delivered to be hanged on a tree of curse so God would alleviate his wrath Signup and view all the answers

What can be seen in the Gibeonites' request?

They tried to spare David any embarrassment; they didn't give the names of the seven descendants so David could save Mephibosheth. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mephibosheth?

Jonathan's son Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason David delivered seven men of the descendants of Saul to the Gibeonites to hang them?

Not as a sacrifice, but to realize justice Signup and view all the answers

Who is Rizpah?

Saul's concubine who experienced bitterness and grief from the loss of her two sons. Signup and view all the answers

What did Rizpah do?

Came to the place of hanging, took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, and stayed there until the late rains poured on them. Signup and view all the answers

How did David feel towards what Rizpah had done?

He was considerably moved Signup and view all the answers

What did David do to show that he did not harbor any hatred or grudge toward the house of Saul?

He took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from where they were buried in Jabesh Gilead. Signup and view all the answers

What did David do to the bones of those who were hanged?

He gathered them and buried them all in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father, in the country of Benjamin. Signup and view all the answers

What did David and his men do after the seven descendants were hanged?

They went down from the mountain of Judah to the plains and fought against the Philistines. Signup and view all the answers

Why would David have been killed in the fight against the Philistines?

If Abishai had not rescued him. Signup and view all the answers

What did St. John Chrysostom admire?

The men of Judah and their loyalty and love for their king David. Signup and view all the answers

What does St. John Chrysostom wish his congregation to say to him?

I am in great need of your prayers; I wish you never deprive me of this pledge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Famine and Atonement

A famine lasting three years occurred due to a drought.
God's response to David's inquiry about the famine pointed to Saul's massacre of the Gibeonites.
Saul killed the Gibeonites to seize their possessions, breaking the covenant established during Joshua's time.

Gibeonite Justice

David sought to atone for the wrongs done to the Gibeonites to receive divine favor.
He asked the Gibeonites what could be done for them in order to obtain blessings for Israel.
The Gibeonites desired justice based on the Law of Moses rather than material compensation.

The Seven Descendants

Seven descendants of Saul had to be delivered to the Gibeonites for justice to be served, highlighting the consequences of Saul's actions.
The Gibeonites showed consideration for David by not naming the specific descendants, allowing him to protect Mephibosheth.

Rizpah's Grief

Rizpah, Saul's concubine, mourned her two sons who were hanged, highlighting her deep sorrow.
She stayed by the bodies during the harvest until the rains fell, demonstrating her devotion.

David's Actions

David was deeply moved by Rizpah’s vigil and demonstrated compassion.
To show no animosity towards Saul's house, David gathered and buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan.

Aftermath of Atonement

After the hanging of the seven descendants, David and his men engaged in battle against the Philistines.
Abishai’s intervention was crucial in saving David's life during the fight against the Philistines.

St. John Chrysostom's Reflections

St. John Chrysostom praised the loyalty of the men of Judah towards King David, seeking similar devotion in his own congregation.
He expressed a desire for his congregation to continually support him through prayers, indicating the importance of mutual spiritual care.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of 2 Samuel Chapter 21 with these flashcards. This quiz covers key events, such as the famine during David's reign and the actions of Saul against the Gibeonites. Challenge yourself to recall important details and deepen your understanding of this biblical chapter.