Within the biblical Davidic narrative is an account that is not only out of context chronologically, but an account that seems out of context with the message of a Hebrew God who is “slow to anger and abounding in mercy” (Exod 34:6). The text of 2 Samuel 21:1-14 is, at first glance, the story of the human sacrifice of seven men to appease God’s wrath and end a famine. Such an archaic bloodthirsty deity does not seem to be the same God revealed in Jesus Christ.

This essay will attempt to examine this first testament scripture with a Christocentric lens, concluding with reflections on how Christ is revealed figuratively and prophetically in this narrative. God-the-Father and God-the-Son are not to be found in the violence of this passage but are seen counteracting the violence that is present by continually encouraging interactions that are both righteous and just. With that understanding, this historical narrative then elucidates the need for violence and retribution in the crucifixion event as a human demand and not a divine one.

Background

This Davidic story is part of an appendix at the end of 2 Samuel which includes four stories and two poems, interrupting the chronological narrative between 2 Samuel 20, and the first 2 chapters of Kings, which conclude the story of David. It is a hard story to place chronologically with the details provided, but it is assumed David’s interactions with the Gibeonites likely took place near the beginning of David’s kingship, probably between 2 Samuel 8-9 (Tony W. Cartledge, 1 & 2 Samuel, 635).

Bible readers first meet the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 where the Gibeonites are concerned the advancing Hebrew army will annihilate them. Although they have a history in the land, they deceptively dress up as travelers and ask for Israelite protection. Joshua, motivated by compassion, grants this protection with a covenant. 2 Samuel 21 is the first time the reader learns of Saul’s unjust attack on the Gibeonites. To summarize, a foreign tribe (Gibeonites), brought under the protection of Israel, through deceit, are wronged by one king (Saul). They make a claim for retribution through the next king (David) and are granted it.

CLICK HERE to download and read PDF – Shawna Lucas – 2 Samuel 21_1-14