The Conquest of Canaan and the Gibeonites, Part 1

2 Samuel 21-1-2 records the cause of a great famine in Israel.--In order to understand this passage, we must consider God's command in Deuteronomy 7-1-6- 20-16-18 and how it differs from Deuteronomy 20-10-15.--The Gibeonites had learned of this distinction -Joshua 9-24-, so they tricked Joshua and Israel's leaders into swearing an oath based on Deuteronomy 20-10-15, as recorded in Joshua 9-14-15. --This oath was made in the name of the LORD and was inviolable -Joshua 9-18-20-.--During King Saul's reign, this self-righteous, legalistic fanatic violated the ancient oath and attempted genocide on them -2 Samuel 21-1, 5-8-.--Saul brought Israel under a curse that resulted in three years of famine and many deaths. David sought to replace this curse with a blessing -2 Samuel 21-2-3-.