Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, “It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.” (v.1)
Israel was experiencing a three-year famine. For an agricultural nation, famine was devastating, but scripture also tells us in Deuteronomy 28, that an extended famine for Israel meant divine cursing. David knew this, so he consulted God and learned that the famine was the result of Saul’s previous treatment of the Gibeonites braking a covenant of peace made by Joshua with them (Joshua 9).
David knew he had to do something about this and so he went to the Gibeonites and asked them "What may I do for you?" They made it clear that they didn’t want money or direct retribution. Though Saul made a wholesale slaughter of the Gibeonites, they didn’t ask for the same among the people of Israel. they asked that, "seven men of king Saul's descendants be delivered to them." In those ancient times, the request of the Gibeonites was considered reasonable. Instead of money or an “eye for an eye” they only asked for justice against Saul through his descendants. David agreed to this (I will give them), thereby becoming the “avenger of blood” atoning for that which had polluted the land because of Saul’s sin.
This chapter tells us a lot about sin and covenant disobedience as well. They come with the real consequences of pain and suffering, which must ultimately be dealt with. It also reminds us of another horrific act in which Jesus became the avenger of blood for us through His death on the cross. With it, came His promise (covenant) to us of salvation to all who believe.
Thank God for His love in providing atonement through His Son Jesus Christ’s blood. The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The Truth: “..We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)
