2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
Chapter 1
David Mourns Saul and Jonathan’s Deaths
After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, he stayed at Ziklag for two days.On the third day, a man arrived from the camp of Saul with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. When he approached David, the man threw himself to the ground in homage.
David asked him: “Where are you from?” And he answered: “I have escaped from the Israelite camp.”
David then said: “Tell me what happened.” And the man told him: “The soldiers fled from the battle, but many fell and died. Saul and his son Jonathan—they too are dead.”
At this, David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and his men did the same.
And they mourned, weeping and fasting until evening, for the death of Saul and his son Jonathan, for all the people of Judah and the nation of Israel.
“Your glory, O Israel, is slain upon your mountains!How the mighty ones have fallen!
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished,neither in life nor in death were they parted;swifter than eagles, they were and stronger than lions.
Women of Israel, weep over Saul who clothed you in precious scarlet.
How the valiant have fallen!In the battle, Jonathan lies slain on your mountains.
I grieve for you, my brother Jonathan;how dear have you been to me!Your love for me was wonderful,even more than the love of women.
How the valiant have fallen!The weapons of war have perished!”
Commentaries
David Mourns Saul and Jonathan’s Deaths.
The report of Saul’s defeat and death echoes the story in 1 Samuel 4. The Amalekite messenger knows where David lives and about Saul’s hostility; he views David as a fugitive from his people and a loyal supporter of the Philistines. He believes that David sees the news of the Philistine victory, Israel’s defeat, and Saul’s death, along with his succession, as good news, and expects to be rewarded handsomely. Therefore, the Amalekite arrives with royal jewels, which he could only have gathered if he was there very early at Saul’s death scene. David believes what he’s told and, as a result, sentences and executes him. The author emphasizes how quickly events unfold and how battles occur simultaneously. Verses 17-27 contain David’s lament over the great loss caused by the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.