2 Samuel Chapter 1 — David Mourns Saul and Jonathan
David learns of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan from an Amalekite messenger and leads the people in a deep season of mourning and lamentation.
1After the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had stayed two days in Ziklag,
2on the third day, behold,*“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes torn and earth on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the earth and showed respect.
3David said to him, “Where do you come from?”
4David said to him, “How did it go? Please tell me.”
5David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?”
6The young man who told him said, “As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning on his spear; and behold, the chariots and the horsemen followed close behind him.
7When he looked behind him, he saw me and called to me. I answered, ‘Here I am.’
8He said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’
9He said to me, ‘Please stand beside me, and kill me, for anguish has taken hold of me because my life lingers in me.’
10So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.”
11Then David took hold on his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did likewise.
12They mourned, wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD,†When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.
13David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?”
14David said to him, “Why were you not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”
15David called one of the young men and said, “Go near, and cut him down!” He struck him so that he died.
16David said to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have slain the LORD’s anointed.’ ”
17David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son
18(and he commanded them to teach the children of Judah the song of the bow; behold, it is written in the book of Jashar):
19“Your glory, Israel, was slain on your high places!
20Don’t tell it in Gath.
21You mountains of Gilboa,
22From the blood of the slain,
23Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives.
24You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
25How the mighty have fallen in the middle of the battle!
26I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan.
27How the mighty have fallen,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Samuel 1:14
“David said to him, “Why were you not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?””
This verse emphasizes David's deep reverence for the office of kingship and the sanctity of those chosen by God.
2 Samuel 1:19
““Your glory, Israel, was slain on your high places!””
This opening line of David's lament honors the fallen status of the nation's leaders.
2 Samuel 1:26
““I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. Very pleasant have you been to me.””
This verse highlights the deep personal bond and covenant friendship between David and Jonathan.
Chapter Summary
Following the death of King Saul, David returns to Ziklag after defeating the Amalekites. On the third day, a man arrives from Saul’s camp reporting the deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan on Mount Gilboa. The man claims he killed the wounded Saul at the king's own request and presents David with Saul's crown and bracelet. In response, David and his men tear their clothes, fast, and weep for the fallen leaders and the house of Israel. David questions why the messenger was not afraid to kill the Lord’s anointed and orders his execution based on his own confession. The chapter concludes with David composing a poignant poetic lament, known as the Song of the Bow, which honors the lives and bravery of Saul and Jonathan, specifically expressing David's personal grief for Jonathan and the loss of Israel's military strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
David executed the man because he confessed to killing King Saul. David believed that anyone who dared to destroy the Lord's anointed king deserved death, regardless of the circumstances or the king's previous actions.
The Song of the Bow is a funeral lament composed by David to honor the memories of Saul and Jonathan. David commanded that the children of Judah be taught this song, which was also recorded in the Book of Jashar.
The messenger claimed he found Saul leaning on his spear after a battle. He stated that Saul, in great anguish and fearing capture by the Philistines, asked the messenger to kill him to end his life quickly.
Study Note
The Book of Jashar mentioned in verse 18 was an ancient collection of Hebrew poetry and heroic songs that is also referenced in the Book of Joshua.
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