2 Samuel 21:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Moved by Rizpah's example, David retrieves the bones of Saul and Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had rescued them from the Philistines.
What Does 2 Samuel 21:12 Mean?
Rizpah's devotion awakens David to an unfinished duty. He goes to recover the remains of Saul and Jonathan, which the brave men of Jabesh-gilead had once taken back from the Philistines, who had displayed them after the defeat at Gilboa. The threads of older loyalties are gathered up here.
David honors even Saul, the king who had hunted him, refusing to let old enmity rob the dead of dignity. Grace toward an enemy, gratitude toward those who showed kindness, faithfulness to a beloved friend, all converge in this act. It is a portrait of a heart that returns good for evil, the very spirit Christ would later make the mark of His own.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 21:12
What does 2 Samuel 21:12 mean?
Moved by Rizpah's example, David retrieves the bones of Saul and Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had rescued them from the Philistines.