The answer is: Saul killed the Gibeonites

2 Sam 21:1

In the captivating story of 2 Samuel, we encounter a compelling tension between justice and mercy set against the backdrop of King David's reign. The Bible tells us that a severe famine beset the land for three years, prompting David to seek the reason for this distress. It’s there, in the complex narrative, we learn that the famine was a result of something that happened long before David—specifically, the actions of King Saul against the Gibeonites.

The Gibeonites, a group that wisely sought peace with the Israelites back in Joshua's time, had become victims of Saul's ill-conceived attempts to honor his desire for a patriotic cleansing of the land. By killing them, he wasn't just violating a covenant; he was unraveling the threads of justice. The famine in the land serves as an example of how the repercussions of sin can resonate long after the act itself, obliging David to rectify Saul's wrongs to restore divine favor.

Intriguingly, this narrative emphasizes accountability not just at the individual level but also as it weaves through the community and nation at large. It highlights how past injustices may loom over current realities—an echo of societal responsibilities seen in multiple ancient cultures. Additionally, it draws sharply into focus the concept of atonement and restoration not just of individuals but of a people and a land,where peace is the ultimate goal. Quite a rich patchwork of history, isn’t it? Authorities often gain insight from historical grievances—something that shows up not just in the Bible but frequently in the lessons of today!