2 Samuel 21:8 meaning

In a significant moment of leadership, King David faced a moral and political dilemma following a famine that had plagued Israel for three years. The famine was revealed to be a divine consequence for Saul's earlier violations against the Gibeonites, prompting David to seek restitution. He approached the Gibeonites, asking how he might atone for Saul's breach of covenant. Their demand was severe: they requested seven of Saul's male descendants be delivered for execution. This request necessitated David's careful handling, especially considering his covenant with Jonathan, which prevented him from harming Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son.