2 Samuel 21 (KJV)
Read 2 Samuel chapter 21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
2 Samuel 21
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2 Samuel 21 Summary
2 Samuel 21 records a three-year famine caused by Saul's broken treaty with the Gibeonites, Rizpah's devoted vigil over her executed sons' bodies, and David's victories over Philistine giants through his warriors.
Rizpah's haunting vigil — guarding her dead sons' bodies from birds and animals for months — is one of Scripture's most powerful images of maternal devotion. David, moved by her faithfulness, recovered the bones of Saul and Jonathan for proper burial.
Key Themes
Covenant FaithfulnessConsequences of Broken PromisesMaternal DevotionGiant-Slaying
Key Verses in 2 Samuel 21
"And Rizpah... took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night."
— 2 Samuel 21:10
Rizpah's months-long vigil is one of Scripture's most moving displays of love and loyalty.
Life Application
Broken promises have consequences — even generations later. Honor your commitments because others may pay the price for your unfaithfulness. And like Rizpah, never stop showing love to those you care about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God send a famine for Saul's sin?
Saul had broken Israel's covenant with the Gibeonites (made in Joshua's time), and the unpunished breach brought God's judgment on the land.
Who was Rizpah?
Saul's concubine whose two sons were executed as part of the restitution to the Gibeonites. Her devoted vigil over their bodies moved David to act with honor.
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