The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 21:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

David therefore said to the Gabaonites: What shall I do for you? and what shall be the atonement or you, that you may bless the inheritance of the Lord?

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר דָּוִד֙ אֶל־הַגִּבְעֹנִ֔ים מָ֥ה אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה לָכֶ֑ם וּבַמָּ֣ה אֲכַפֵּ֔ר וּבָרְכ֖וּ אֶת־נַחֲלַ֥ת יְהוָֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

The Gibeonites encountered the Israelites, and while other nations were utterly vanquished, these were spared to serve as laborers and water bearers. In the eyes of the Lord, their worth was such that the lineage of Saul faced destruction for the wickedness they committed. Where shall they be categorized? With the goats? Yet they were not annihilated, and through divine decree, retribution was exacted upon them. As for the sheep? Scripture indicates that their merits did not align with those of the Israelites. Behold, they occupy a position on the right side, yet on a lower rung.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.