The answer is: Saul killed the Gibeonites

2 Sam 21:1

The story of God causing a famine during David's reign is deeply intertwined with Israel's history and their covenant with surrounding nations; it’s rooted in actions taken by Saul, Israel's previous king. Saul, in his zeal for the Israelites, broke an oath that had been made with the Gibeonites—people living in the land who had been spared by Joshua under an agreement that they wouldn't be harmed. According to ancient custom and belief, such vows and covenants held immense weight; breaking them was believed to invite disaster.

Now, let’s savor the moment when David seeks to address this famine—it tells us a lot about his leadership style. Instead of simply pending on divine intervention to correct wrongs, David seeks out the Gibeonites directly, attempting to rectify Saul's injustices. This reflects a respect for truth and reconciliation that resonates through many cultures today.

In curious trivia, the name "Gibeon" means "to cut” or "divide," perhaps alluding to the challenges posed by the human-breaking covenants—a reflection that resonates even today as we navigate our own relationships and commitments. The ensuing events leading to David’s actions to appease the Gibeonites remind readers of mountains of grace one might need to climb after stumbling on moral heights.

Ultimately, this narrative drives home profound relational themes: justice, accountability, and the facets of grace required to heal past indiscretions that stretch beyond the individual into communal relations. A beautiful tapestry indeed woven through this simple yet wrenching famine tale!