2 Samuel 21:1-22 | David Makes A Comeback | Sermon 40
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David has experienced great struggle and turmoil, with the previous chapters filled with one piece of bad news after another, both for him and the kingdom. However, after returning to the throne, 2 Samuel 21 shows David firmly reestablished as king. This is seen in two ways: first, through the restoration of national blessing, and second, through a renewed display of the valor we once knew from David, along with the strong support of his warriors.
In chapter 21, it’s time to say, “Welcome back!”
RESTORATION OF NATIONAL BLESSING (2 SAMUEL 21:1-14)
THE FAMINE AND ITS CAUSE (VV. 1-2)
1. A severe famine struck Israel for three years, causing widespread hardship.
2. David sought divine guidance from the Lord, demonstrating his reliance on God's direction.
3. The Lord revealed that the famine had two causes:
a. The nation dishonored the legacy of former King Saul, displeasing God.
b. Saul had unjustly persecuted the Gibeonites, breaking a long-standing covenant and incurring God's judgment.
DAVID'S ATTEMPT TO MAKE AMENDS (VV. 3-7)
1. David approached the Gibeonites to address the injustice committed by Saul. Recognizing the gravity of Saul’s actions, he sought reconciliation.
2. David offered to make atonement for the harm caused by Saul’s persecution, demonstrating his commitment to justice and restoration.
3. The Gibeonites rejected monetary compensation, believing the offense was too severe to settle with material wealth.
4. Instead, the Gibeonites demanded blood justice, requesting seven of Saul’s descendants, according to cultural expectations of retribution.
THE EXECUTION OF SAUL'S DESCENDANTS (VV. 8-9)
1. David agreed to the Gibeonites’ demand for retribution, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
2. In loyalty to Jonathan, David spared Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, honoring the covenant he had made with Jonathan.
3. Seven men from Saul’s lineage were selected and handed over to the Gibeonites, fulfilling the demand for blood justice while limiting the extent of the retribution.
4. The Gibeonites executed the seven men, providing atonement for Saul’s actions against them.
DAVID'S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS DISRESPECT TOWARD SAUL (VV. 10-14)
1. Rizpah’s protection of the bodies prompted David to address the lack of proper burial, a reminder of the importance of dignity in death.
2. David retrieved the bones of Saul and Jonathan, showing his respect for the former king and his son despite their complicated history.
3. David ensured proper burial not only for Saul and Jonathan but also for the seven men, restoring dignity to all involved.
DISPLAY OF VALOR AND SUPPORT (2 SAMUEL 21:15-22)
DAVID'S PREVIOUS VICTORIES OVER THE PHILISTINES
1. Goliath’s defeat as a young shepherd (1 Samuel 17).
2. Early military victories as a commander in Saul’s army (1 Samuel 18:5, 18:30).
3. Victories as king, defeating the Philistines at Baal-perazim and in the Valley of Rephaim (2 Samuel 5:20, 25).
4. The subjugation of Philistia and the capture of Gath and its surrounding territories (2 Samuel 8:1).
DAVID'S FATIGUE AND VULNERABILITY (V. 15)
1. Despite past victories, David, now older, began to show signs of fatigue in battle.
2. His weariness became evident as he "waxed faint," signaling his growing vulnerability.
THE THREAT OF ISHBIBENOB (VV. 16-17)
1. Ishbibenob, a giant and new enemy, arose to threaten David.
2. He wielded a new sword and sought to kill David, perhaps in vengeance.
3. Abishai intervened, killing Ishbibenob and saving David from danger.
4. David’s men insisted he no longer fight in battle to preserve “the light of Israel.”
ENCOUNTERS WITH THREE MORE PHILISTINE GIANTS (VV. 18-22)
1. Saph (called Sippai in 1 Chronicles 20:4) was slain by Sibbechai the Hushathite in Gob.
2. Elhanan killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, identified as Lahmi in 1 Chronicles 20:5.
3. A giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot was slain by Jonathan, David’s nephew.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VICTORIES
1. These victories demonstrate God’s protection over Israel.
2. The events highlight the bravery and capability of David’s warriors.
3. They symbolize the final defeat of the Philistine giants, bringing closure to the threat that began with Goliath.
4. These victories ensured the security of David’s kingdom, showing that God’s blessing continued even without David’s direct involvement in battle.
