(The people of Gibeon were not Israelites; they were a small group of Amorites whom the Israelites had promised to protect, but Saul had tried to destroy them because of his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah.)

He broke his oath and the treaty he had made. He did all these things, and now he will not escape."

The Sovereign LORD says, "As surely as I am the living God, I will punish him for breaking the treaty which he swore in my name to keep.

God was also at work in Judah and united the people in their determination to obey his will by following the commands of the king and his officials.

Do what the king says, and don't make any rash promises to God.

For this reason you must obey the authorities---not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.