Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Buries Saul's Bones, and the Bones of his Sons

◄ David: King of Israel: Buries Saul's Bones, and the Bones of his Sons ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his leadership, military prowess, and deep faith in God. Among the many events that marked his reign, one significant act of respect and reconciliation was the burial of Saul's bones and those of his sons.

Following the death of King Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, their bodies were desecrated and displayed on the walls of Beth-shan (1 Samuel 31:8-10). The men of Jabesh-gilead, in an act of loyalty and gratitude for Saul's earlier deliverance of their city (1 Samuel 11:1-11), retrieved the bodies and gave them a proper burial under a tamarisk tree in Jabesh, fasting for seven days (1 Samuel 31:11-13).

Years later, during David's reign, a famine struck Israel for three consecutive years. Seeking the Lord's guidance, David learned that the famine was a result of Saul's breach of an oath with the Gibeonites, whom he had sought to annihilate in his zeal for Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 21:1-2). To atone for this sin, David asked the Gibeonites what could be done to make amends. They requested the execution of seven of Saul's male descendants, which David granted, sparing Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, due to his covenant with Jonathan (2 Samuel 21:3-9).

After the execution, Rizpah, the mother of two of the executed sons, displayed a poignant act of mourning and protection over the bodies, prompting David to take further action (2 Samuel 21:10). Moved by her devotion, David retrieved the bones of Saul and Jonathan from Jabesh-gilead, along with the bones of those who had been executed, and buried them in the tomb of Kish, Saul's father, in the land of Benjamin at Zela (2 Samuel 21:11-14).

This act of burial was significant for several reasons. It demonstrated David's respect for Saul, despite their tumultuous relationship, and his commitment to honor the former king of Israel. It also reflected David's desire to bring closure and healing to the nation, addressing past grievances and fulfilling his duty as a righteous leader. By ensuring a proper burial for Saul and his sons, David not only honored the dead but also sought to restore divine favor upon Israel, as evidenced by the lifting of the famine following these events (2 Samuel 21:14).

David's actions in burying Saul's bones and those of his sons highlight his character as a king who sought justice, reconciliation, and the favor of God, even in the face of complex and painful national history.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 21:12-14
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:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Water of Life;
... Wherefore David, considering this, said, 'Surely goodness and mercy shall ... The throne
of the king is a royal seat: it ... I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm