Covenant Reformed News – July 2013 • Volume XIV, Issue 15
This article addresses a reader's question about the apparent injustice of executing seven of Saul's sons for his violation of Israel's covenant oath to the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel 21. The author carefully examines the biblical narrative, explores possible historical connections between recorded events, and begins to address theological questions about God's delayed judgment, demonstrating Reformed principles of careful exegesis and theological reflection on divine providence.
The Death of Saul’s Seven Sons A brother writes, “Reading II Samuel 21, it seems unjust that seven of Saul’s sons are put to death for their father’s sins against the Gibeonites, which instance is not recorded in Scripture (as far as I can see).” The history of this event is somewhat complicated and, in some instances, as the questioner mentions, not always clear. What is clear is the following. When Joshua and the Israelites fought against the Canaanites, Joshua made peace with the...