2 Samuel 1: A poignant account of deep mourning and grief following the tragic deaths of Saul and Jonathan, exploring profound loss.
The book of 2 Samuel continues the narrative of Israel's history and the life of King David. 2 Samuel 1 marks the beginning of this book and opens with a somber account of the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan. This chapter presents a complex set of emotions, from grief to reflection, as David learns of their deaths. In this commentary, we will explore 2 Samuel 1 verse by verse, delving into the themes of mourning, loyalty, and the consequences of war.
The Messenger's Arrival
"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." (2 Samuel 1:1, KJV)
The chapter opens with David returning from a military campaign against the Amalekites. He has been away from home and is now in the city of Ziklag, a place where he and his men have found refuge.
The Messenger's Report
"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." (2 Samuel 1:2-3, KJV)
A messenger arrives at Ziklag, bearing news from the camp of Israel. He is in mourning, with torn clothes and dust on his head, a sign of grief. The man bows before David and informs him that he has escaped from the camp of Israel.
The Messenger's Account of Saul and Jonathan's Death
"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?" (2 Samuel 1:4-5, KJV)
David inquires about the outcome of the battle, and the messenger informs him that the Israelites have suffered losses, including the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. David is deeply concerned and asks how the messenger knows this information.
The Amalekite's Claim
"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." (2 Samuel 1:6-10, KJV)
The messenger recounts how he came across Saul, who was gravely wounded on Mount Gilboa. According to the messenger, Saul requested that he kill him to end his suffering. The Amalekite claims that he obeyed Saul's request, took his crown and bracelet, and brought them to David.
David's Response to the Amalekite
"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." (2 Samuel 1:11-12, KJV)
Upon hearing the messenger's account, David and his men are overcome with grief. They tear their clothes and engage in mourning, weeping, and fasting. Their grief extends not only to Saul and Jonathan but also to the people of the Lord and the house of Israel who suffered losses in battle.
David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan
"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." (2 Samuel 1:13-16, KJV)
David questions the Amalekite about his identity and why he was not afraid to kill the Lord's anointed king. David then orders one of his men to execute the Amalekite for his admission of killing Saul. David considers it a grave offense to harm the Lord's anointed, even in death.
David's Lamentation in Song
"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." (2 Samuel 1:17-18, KJV)
David composes a lamentation in honor of Saul and Jonathan, which is likely a song of mourning. He also instructs that the children of Judah be taught archery, possibly as a way to commemorate Jonathan's skill in using the bow.
A Eulogy for Saul and Jonathan
"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." (2 Samuel 1:19-21, KJV)
David's lamentation becomes a eulogy for Saul and Jonathan. He mourns the loss of the mighty and beautiful, calling attention to the tragedy of their deaths on the high places of Israel. David pleads that the news not be shared in the cities of the Philistines, so as not to bring them joy.
The eulogy continues, honoring Saul and Jonathan's bravery in life and their close bond. David grieves over the loss of Jonathan, who was like a brother to him, and describes the pain of their separation.
The Bow of Jonathan
"How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!" (2 Samuel 1:27, KJV)
The chapter concludes with a somber reflection on the fallen warriors and the loss of their weapons of war. The death of Saul and Jonathan marks a significant turning point in Israel's history.
Conclusion
2 Samuel 1 paints a vivid picture of David's response to the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. It emphasizes the depth of his grief and his unwavering respect for the Lord's anointed. David's lamentation and eulogy serve as a moving tribute to the fallen king and his valiant son. This chapter sets the stage for the tumultuous events and complex relationships that will unfold in the book of 2 Samuel as David assumes the throne of Israel.
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