2 Samuel 1:1-27
Q.1. Where had David been? How did David find out about Saul and Jonathan? What did the Amalekite tell David? How was he rewarded for killing Saul? Why? – (2 Sam.1:1-16)
The Philistines had not wanted David and his men to fight with them against Israel (1 Sam.29:3-5). By God’s grace they had been able to rescue their families and had been kept from taking part in the death of King Saul. (1 Sam.30:17-20; 31:7). David found out three days after returning to Ziglag that Saul, Jonathan, and his brothers had all died in battle (2 Sam.1:2-4). The messenger to bring this news was an Amalekite, who claimed to have killed Saul after he had been mortally wounded in battle (2 Sam.1:5-10). He gave proof by producing Saul’s crown and arm bracelet (2 Sam.1:10). David’s first response was to mourn the demise of the house of Saul (2 Sam.1:11-12). However, if the Amalekite hoped to gain favour with David, he was to be sorely disappointed. David had him cut down for confessing with his own mouth that he had killed the Lord’s anointed king (2 Sam.1:14-16).
Q.2. How did David commemorate the death of Saul and Jonathan? What did he say about Saul? How did he speak of Jonathan? What do we learn about David? – (2 Sam.1:17-27)
After this David composed a song to commemorate the loss of Saul and Jonathan. The lament was to be taught to future generations (2 Sam.1:17-18). In it he documented the death of King Saul and his courageous son, Jonathan. Many had benefitted personally from Saul’s reign, though he had been incredibly fickle and self-willed. However, David reserved his best words for Jonathan – I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women (2 Sam.1:26). Despite the age difference, David and Jonathan enjoyed a rich mutually edifying relationship. David was deeply saddened by Jonathan’s untimely death. Jonathan had happily forfeited his own kingship to the younger David – a truly remarkable show of humility and selflessness. David lived by the direction of God. He showed that he believed that it was God’s prerogative to appoint or take away his commissioning.