Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the Lord. And the Lord said, "It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites in death." (verse 1)
Message: Blood Atonement
Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader.
What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson, Sheba rebelled and took with him the Northern Tribe where there was already division with them and the Southern Tribe. David takes this serious and originally sends out Amasa and Joab and Joab kills off Amasa as he doesn't want two leaders and Joab is still devoted to Amasa. They approach Abel-beth-maacah, a fortified city and begin to cut off its supply chains and compromise its fortifications when a woman appears to mediate, not wanting violence but wise counsel. She hears what Joab says and the word about Sheba and immediately cuts his head off and provides it to Joab. With that, Joab returns back to Jerusalem and all is resolved.
Chapter 21 begins with words of a famine in the land for 3 years. David prays to the Lord for his presence and guidance. The Lord responds that this is a consequence of Saul's actions against the Gibeonites violated a covenant made during Joshua's time (Joshua 9). Innocent blood was shed and with that there is a problem that God takes seriously.
David responds by reaching out to the Gibeonites and seeking restitution with them. David desires to make amends. The Gibeonites recognize this as a serious problem. In Ancient Near Eastern these situations were common and money was often offered, but there is a deeper need here for justice. David agrees he will honor their request. Thus, it is requested to have 7 men of the tribe of Saul be given to them for hanging to satisfy this.
David spares Mephibosheth because of the oath he made to Jonathan. But David provides to them other children of Saul. And they were given to the Gibeonites, hanged at the beginning of harvest which is often a time of celebration with hopes that this marked a deliverance from the famine. Thus, a blood atonement. In response, one of the mothers of the children, Rizpah mourns the loss and David learns of this he gathers the bones of Saul and Jonathan and well as these children and gathers them so that they receive a proper burial. And thus, God answered their call and the famine was resolved.
In verse 15, war with the Philistines is mentioned again. David fights with his men but becomes exhausted. Ishbi-benob, one of the giants of the Philistines, sought to kill David. Abishai interceded and struck Ishbi-benob and killed him. And David's men stated that David should never go to war again with them, but stay back as the strategic leader. Another battle occurs and there Sibbecai another one of David's warriors kills another of the Philistine giants Saph. And then another battle with Elhanan (from the same town as David) kills the brother of Goliath. Then another battle and a man with 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot and he was killed by Shimei. Thus, these 4 descendants of Rapha fell at the hands of brave men.
The Lord was faithful to Israel and continue to provides victory for them against their adversaries.
Summary: A famine has been in the land for 3 years because Saul's attacking Gibeonites who had a previous covenant with Joshua. In return, 7 men are hanging providing a blood atonement and the famine ends and then wars with the Philistines occur but David's men conquer them.
Promise: Sin is serious, and the only way for it to be covered is through a blood atonement.
Prayer: Lord, sin is serious. Let us know this. You have taken care of sin in our lives through a radical blood atonement in Jesus Christ. Let me recognize the seriousness of sin. That it must be dealt with. And it will be dealt with in one way or another and sometimes what occurs in our life points back to that sin and even may impact people that are were not involved originally. Lord, let us realize the significance of that sin even when life seems unfair. You will guard and have guarded your people and will continue to protect them. Be glorified.
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