The answer is: Saul killed the Gibeonites

2 Sam 21:1

In 2 Samuel 21, we're confronted with a period of famine that strikes Israel during King David’s reign. Interestingly, the famine isn’t an issue stemming from natural causes but instead is tied to the actions of David’s predecessor, King Saul, who breached a longstanding treaty with the Gibeonites. This story emphasizes the significance of vows and treaties in ancient Israelite culture. It serves to illustrate how Israel's collective fate can intertwine with the moral and ethical failures of its leaders—in this case, Saul's cruelty toward the Gibeonites led to dire consequences for the entire nation.

The Gibeonites were a distinctive group; they were actually a remnant of the Amorites who had deceived Joshua to spare their lives (Joshua 9). Crafty and shrewd, they tricked the Israelites into forming an alliance, which explains why they were thus protected by divine edict. When Saul ignored this sacred commitment by attempting to annihilate them, he violated a divine promise made by the Israelites in Joshua's day.

Another fascinating echo in scripture surrounding this narrative is the link between famine and divine displeasure—similar to episodes in the Torah, particularly during the time of Moses and during the cycles of judges in Israel. Ultimately, to resolve the famine, David seeks justice from the Gibeonites, leading to a lesson on accountability and the reverberating effects of one’s actions over time. It reminds us of the intricate connectedness of community, leadership, and ethical responsibility within a faith tradition and how past mistakes can resurface and haunt future generations.