II Samuel 1: A Lament for a Fallen Era
Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?
And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord’s anointed.
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
II Samuel 1 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history, picking up directly after the events of I Samuel. This chapter serves as a poignant prelude to David's forty-year reign, a period marked by both triumph and tribulation, and ultimately, the establishment of God's enduring covenant with David, the lineage through which the promised Messiah would emerge. It is crucial to view David's kingship, as the author intends, through the lens of this Davidic covenant – an unconditional promise from God, a testament to His faithfulness even amidst human failings. While earthly leaders may falter, the true King of Israel remains steadfast, never abandoning His people or His promises.
News of Defeat and Death (II Samuel 1:1-4)
Following David's victory over the Amalekites, as recounted in I Samuel 30, and his return to Ziklag (II Samuel 1:1), a messenger arrives bearing grim tidings. The Israelite army, under the command of King Saul, had suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Philistines. More tragically, both Saul and his son Jonathan had perished in battle (II Samuel 1:2-4). This news casts a long shadow, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter in Israel's story.
The Amalekite's Dubious Tale (II Samuel 1:5-10)
A young man, identifying himself as an Amalekite, approaches David with a detailed account of Saul's demise. He claims to have encountered Saul wounded on Mount Gilboa and, at the king's request, delivered the final blow (II Samuel 1:6-10). As proof, he presents Saul's crown and armband to David, seemingly offering these as symbols of allegiance to the new, ascendant king of Israel.
Justice and Judgment (II Samuel 1:11-16)
However, the narrative is fraught with inconsistencies. The author of I & II Samuel has already revealed that Saul took his own life rather than be captured by the Philistines (I Samuel 31:4-6). The Amalekite's presence on Mount Gilboa during a major battle also raises suspicion. It's highly probable that he was scavenging the battlefield, looting the dead, and saw an opportunity to ingratiate himself with David by claiming responsibility for Saul's death. He likely believed that such an act would be rewarded handsomely.
Regardless of whether David suspected the man was lying, David judged him based on his own testimony. The Amalekite's actions were reprehensible on multiple levels. As a resident alien, he was subject to Saul's authority and should have shown him respect. Furthermore, he was an Amalekite (II Samuel 1:13), a nation historically opposed to Israel and divinely condemned to destruction (I Samuel 15:1-3). Most significantly, by his own admission, he had slain "the LORD's anointed" (II Samuel 1:10, 16). David, on two separate occasions, had the opportunity to kill Saul but refused, choosing to leave Saul's fate in God's hands (I Samuel 24, 26). The Amalekite should have followed the same course. Consequently, David orders the Amalekite's execution, demonstrating his unwavering respect for God's chosen king and his commitment to justice.
David's Lament: A Song of Grief and Honor (II Samuel 1:17-27)
The remainder of the chapter showcases David's profound grief and his remarkable ability to express it through poetry and music, solidifying his reputation as a skilled poet and musician in Israel. David's lament, often referred to as "The Song of the Bow," (II Samuel 1:17) transcends personal sorrow. It reflects a deep concern for the honor of Saul and Jonathan, and ultimately, for the glory of the God of Israel.
David could not bear the thought of the uncircumcised Philistines rejoicing over the deaths of God's anointed king and his valiant army. He feared that news of their demise in cities like Gath and Ashkelon would bring jubilation to the enemy (II Samuel 1:20). In contrast, the daughters of Israel had celebrated the victories of David and Saul (I Samuel 18:7). He even curses the mountains of Gilboa, the site of the tragic battle (II Samuel 1:21).
David's eulogy acknowledges the military prowess of both Saul and Jonathan. Despite Saul's spiritual shortcomings, he was a courageous warrior who led Israel in numerous battles. Jonathan, too, displayed remarkable bravery, leading daring raids that often turned the tide of conflict (II Samuel 1:22-23). Together, father and son fell valiantly in the heat of battle (II Samuel 1:25). They were mighty warriors (II Samuel 1:27).
David's poignant expression of grief and brotherly love for Jonathan is especially moving (II Samuel 1:26). The two had forged a deep covenant of friendship and loyalty (I Samuel 20:14-17, 42; 23:15-18), a bond that even death could not sever. This is further demonstrated by David's later commitment to care for Jonathan's disabled son, Mephibosheth (II Samuel 9).
II Samuel 1 serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of leadership, the tragedy of loss, and the enduring power of friendship and loyalty. It marks the end of one era and the dawn of another, as David prepares to assume the mantle of kingship over Israel. It underscores the importance of honoring those who have served, even amidst their imperfections, and the need to seek God's guidance in times of transition and uncertainty. It is a timeless story of grief, honor, and the enduring hope found in God's unwavering covenant.
Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?
And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord’s anointed.
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
II Samuel 1 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history, picking up directly after the events of I Samuel. This chapter serves as a poignant prelude to David's forty-year reign, a period marked by both triumph and tribulation, and ultimately, the establishment of God's enduring covenant with David, the lineage through which the promised Messiah would emerge. It is crucial to view David's kingship, as the author intends, through the lens of this Davidic covenant – an unconditional promise from God, a testament to His faithfulness even amidst human failings. While earthly leaders may falter, the true King of Israel remains steadfast, never abandoning His people or His promises.
News of Defeat and Death (II Samuel 1:1-4)
Following David's victory over the Amalekites, as recounted in I Samuel 30, and his return to Ziklag (II Samuel 1:1), a messenger arrives bearing grim tidings. The Israelite army, under the command of King Saul, had suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Philistines. More tragically, both Saul and his son Jonathan had perished in battle (II Samuel 1:2-4). This news casts a long shadow, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter in Israel's story.
The Amalekite's Dubious Tale (II Samuel 1:5-10)
A young man, identifying himself as an Amalekite, approaches David with a detailed account of Saul's demise. He claims to have encountered Saul wounded on Mount Gilboa and, at the king's request, delivered the final blow (II Samuel 1:6-10). As proof, he presents Saul's crown and armband to David, seemingly offering these as symbols of allegiance to the new, ascendant king of Israel.
Justice and Judgment (II Samuel 1:11-16)
However, the narrative is fraught with inconsistencies. The author of I & II Samuel has already revealed that Saul took his own life rather than be captured by the Philistines (I Samuel 31:4-6). The Amalekite's presence on Mount Gilboa during a major battle also raises suspicion. It's highly probable that he was scavenging the battlefield, looting the dead, and saw an opportunity to ingratiate himself with David by claiming responsibility for Saul's death. He likely believed that such an act would be rewarded handsomely.
Regardless of whether David suspected the man was lying, David judged him based on his own testimony. The Amalekite's actions were reprehensible on multiple levels. As a resident alien, he was subject to Saul's authority and should have shown him respect. Furthermore, he was an Amalekite (II Samuel 1:13), a nation historically opposed to Israel and divinely condemned to destruction (I Samuel 15:1-3). Most significantly, by his own admission, he had slain "the LORD's anointed" (II Samuel 1:10, 16). David, on two separate occasions, had the opportunity to kill Saul but refused, choosing to leave Saul's fate in God's hands (I Samuel 24, 26). The Amalekite should have followed the same course. Consequently, David orders the Amalekite's execution, demonstrating his unwavering respect for God's chosen king and his commitment to justice.
David's Lament: A Song of Grief and Honor (II Samuel 1:17-27)
The remainder of the chapter showcases David's profound grief and his remarkable ability to express it through poetry and music, solidifying his reputation as a skilled poet and musician in Israel. David's lament, often referred to as "The Song of the Bow," (II Samuel 1:17) transcends personal sorrow. It reflects a deep concern for the honor of Saul and Jonathan, and ultimately, for the glory of the God of Israel.
David could not bear the thought of the uncircumcised Philistines rejoicing over the deaths of God's anointed king and his valiant army. He feared that news of their demise in cities like Gath and Ashkelon would bring jubilation to the enemy (II Samuel 1:20). In contrast, the daughters of Israel had celebrated the victories of David and Saul (I Samuel 18:7). He even curses the mountains of Gilboa, the site of the tragic battle (II Samuel 1:21).
David's eulogy acknowledges the military prowess of both Saul and Jonathan. Despite Saul's spiritual shortcomings, he was a courageous warrior who led Israel in numerous battles. Jonathan, too, displayed remarkable bravery, leading daring raids that often turned the tide of conflict (II Samuel 1:22-23). Together, father and son fell valiantly in the heat of battle (II Samuel 1:25). They were mighty warriors (II Samuel 1:27).
David's poignant expression of grief and brotherly love for Jonathan is especially moving (II Samuel 1:26). The two had forged a deep covenant of friendship and loyalty (I Samuel 20:14-17, 42; 23:15-18), a bond that even death could not sever. This is further demonstrated by David's later commitment to care for Jonathan's disabled son, Mephibosheth (II Samuel 9).
II Samuel 1 serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of leadership, the tragedy of loss, and the enduring power of friendship and loyalty. It marks the end of one era and the dawn of another, as David prepares to assume the mantle of kingship over Israel. It underscores the importance of honoring those who have served, even amidst their imperfections, and the need to seek God's guidance in times of transition and uncertainty. It is a timeless story of grief, honor, and the enduring hope found in God's unwavering covenant.