The answer is: Death of seven of Saul's sons

2 Sam 21:5-9,14

In 2 Samuel 21, we find a rather somber episode revolving around the consequences of Saul's actions against the Gibeonites, a group the Israelites had previously sworn to protect. When famine struck the land for three years, King David sought to understand and rectify the situation. It's here that we witness a surprisingly harsh arrangement: handing over seven of Saul's sons to the Gibeonites, leading to their deaths.

Now, it’s a stark illustration of how interconnected divine justice and human actions were considered in ancient Israel. The notion of collective punishment, although troubling to modern readers, highlighted the significance of community accountability. Famine, as a harrowing symbol in biblical narratives, often suggested a wider moral failure among the people. In this case, Saul's prior breach of faith had repercussions extending beyond his death.

Interestingly, this incident echoes themes we see elsewhere in the scriptures. For instance, the story relates to the breaking of oaths—remember the Gibeonites' cunning ruse in Joshua 9 to secure peace? They baited the Israelites into making a covenant, which Saul later violated; it illustrates how deeply commitments mattered.

Additionally, the notion of sacrificial offerings and substitutes—think of Isaac’s near-sacrifice by Abraham—permeates these narratives, reinforcing a tradition where serious wrongdoings couldn’t remain without consequence and calling readers to reflect on broader notions of justice and redemption. Although it brings a spinal tingle reflecting hardship, it's also a fulcrum for grappling with historical and moral challenges within scripture.