What does this passage teach us about the seriousness of sin?

It reveals that unaddressed sin—especially covenantal violations—has real consequences and must be dealt with through atonement.

How can you reflect covenant faithfulness in your life?

By keeping your word, honoring godly commitments, and showing grace even when it’s costly—just as David honored his covenant with Jonathan.

Are there any 'giants' in your life that you need to bring before the Lord?

Yes. Whether spiritual, emotional, or moral challenges—believers are called to rely on Christ’s strength, not their own, to overcome them.

The True Cost of Justice – 2 Samuel 21 and God’s Faithful Atonement

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read

2 Samuel 21: Justice, Giants, and God’s Faithfulness

Reading the Bible Daily with Dave — July 21, 2025
By Dave Jenkins

Overview

In 2 Samuel 21, we encounter one of the most sobering and yet theologically rich moments in David’s reign. A famine lasting three years prompts David to seek the Lord, and God reveals that the sin of Saul—the killing of the Gibeonites—has not been dealt with. What follows is a painful act of justice, a powerful display of covenant faithfulness, and a record of Israel’s warriors defeating Philistine giants.

This chapter reminds us that God takes justice seriously, remembers covenant promises, and empowers His people to overcome impossible odds.

Listen & Watch

Key Insights

The Cost of Unresolved Sin
Saul’s violation of Israel’s oath to the Gibeonites brings national consequences. Justice is not theoretical—bloodguilt pollutes the land (cf. Numbers 35:33).
Covenant Faithfulness in Action
David honors his promise to Jonathan by sparing Mephibosheth, even as he hands over seven other sons of Saul. God does not forget His covenants, and neither should we.
Rizpah’s Grief and Persistence
The image of Rizpah guarding her sons’ bodies until proper burial evokes deep compassion—and highlights David’s conscience in giving Saul and Jonathan a final resting place.
Giants Still Fall
The second half of the chapter reminds us that though David is aging, God still fights for Israel. Descendants of the giants—enemies that once terrified the nation—are defeated one by one.

Christ-Centered Application

Justice and mercy meet at the cross. Where David handed others over for atonement, Christ handed Himself over.
Jesus is the greater David. He deals with sin not through human sacrifice, but through His own.
Our greatest enemies—sin, death, and Satan—have been defeated by Christ. We fight from victory, not for it.

For Further Study

Numbers 35:33 – Bloodguilt and atonement
Romans 5:10 – Reconciliation through Christ’s death
Colossians 2:13–15 – Triumph over rulers and authorities

Reflection Questions

What does this passage teach us about the seriousness of sin?
How can you reflect covenant faithfulness in your life, especially in your home and church?
Are there any “giants” in your life that you need to bring before the Lord?

Key Verse

2 Samuel 21:14
“And after that God responded to the plea for the land.”

Final Word

In today’s reading, we are reminded that justice cannot be bypassed, sin must be addressed, and God will not overlook what we want to ignore. But we also see hope—hope that God provides atonement, defends His people, and fulfills His promises.

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Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.