The answer is: Famine

2 Sam 21:1

In 2 Samuel 21:1, we see a famine striking the land of Israel, and the underlying reason ties back to Saul's brutal treatment of the Gibeonites—an event that draws attention to complex themes of justice, mercy, and the consequences of actions. Saul, fiercely determined to secure his legacy, forgot or ignored the covenantal obligations of protection and peace made with the Gibeonites, who were actually a groups of non-Israelites living among God's people.

The significance of this famine leads us to a vital principle highlighted throughout the Hebrew Scriptures: when leadership fails to uphold fairness toward all, even innocents can suffer. Famine here isn’t just a natural disaster; it serves as a profound reminder of how their what leaders do resonates through the entire community. This echoes the broader biblical theme of corporate responsibility—where the actions of one, like Saul's, impact the many.

Interestingly, the Gibeonites were no outsiders to Israel's community. They had forged a deceptive pact with Joshua, tricking him into ensuring their safety. That intricate twist underscores how swirling history could blur righteousness in pursuit of sustaining reliability. It's a poignant illustration that maintaining peace and trust calls for vigilance, mercy, and respect towards all corners of society—even those who might appear inconvenient.

So, the famine alone was more than physical hunger; it symbolized the void left when truth is neglected in relationships, urging us to reflect on the responsibility we share for those around us.