1 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 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.
3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
4 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.
5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
6 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.
7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
9 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.
10 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.
11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
12 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.
13 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.
14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?
15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
16 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.
17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
19 The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
20 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.
21 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.
22 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.
23 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.
24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
26 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.
27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
The first chapter of 2 Samuel marks the beginning of David's reign as king of Israel. After the death of Saul, David receives the news of his death and mourns for him and his son Jonathan. This chapter also introduces key themes that will continue throughout the book, such as loyalty, honor, and the consequences of sin. Through the events of this chapter, we see the hand of God at work in establishing David as the rightful king of Israel and setting the stage for the rest of his reign.
The chapter opens with the news of Saul and Jonathan's death reaching David. A young Amalekite man comes to David claiming to have killed Saul at his request. However, upon further questioning, it is revealed that the Amalekite actually found Saul wounded and finished him off. This act goes against the commandment of God to not kill, and David orders for the man to be put to death for his actions.
David then proceeds to mourn for Saul and Jonathan, tearing his clothes and fasting in their honor. He also instructs the people of Judah to mourn for their fallen king and his son. This displays David's respect and loyalty towards Saul, despite their past conflicts. It also sets the tone for David's character as a honorable and just leader.
As part of their mourning, David composes a lament for Saul and Jonathan, known as the Song of the Bow. This song praises the bravery and honor of both men, highlighting their strength and courage in battle. It also shows David's poetic and musical abilities, which will continue to be a prominent aspect of his character throughout the book.
The Song of the Bow also serves as a reminder of the bond between David and Jonathan. Despite being from different tribes and having a tumultuous relationship with Saul, David and Jonathan were close friends and allies. This theme of loyalty and friendship will be explored further in the following chapters.
The death of Saul and Jonathan serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin. Saul's disobedience and rejection of God's commands ultimately led to his downfall and the loss of his kingdom. This event also serves as a warning for David to remain faithful and obedient to God in his own reign. It foreshadows the challenges and struggles that David will face as a king and the consequences of his own sins.
The Amalekite man's actions also serve as a warning against deceit and treachery. His lies and attempt to take credit for Saul's death result in his own punishment. This highlights the importance of honesty and integrity, and the consequences of dishonesty and betrayal.
Throughout this chapter, we see the will of God at work in the events that unfold. Despite Saul's disobedience and rejection, God still uses him to fulfill His plans. Saul's death marks the end of his reign and the beginning of David's, in accordance with God's promise to David. This serves as a reminder that God's plans and timing are sovereign, and He works all things for His purposes.
The chapter also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah through David's line. As the rightful king of Israel, David is a foreshadowing of Jesus, who will be born from the line of David and establish an eternal kingdom. This further emphasizes the importance of David's reign and the events that lead to his kingship.
The first chapter of 2 Samuel provides valuable lessons and insights that are still relevant for today's readers. It highlights the importance of loyalty, honor, and integrity in leadership. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the sovereignty of God's will.
The chapter also shows the importance of mourning and honoring the dead. Despite their past conflicts, David still mourns for Saul and Jonathan, showing respect and compassion for their lives. This serves as an example of forgiveness and reconciliation, even in the face of tragedy.
Overall, the first chapter of 2 Samuel sets the foundation for the rest of the book, introducing key themes and foreshadowing events to come. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in fulfilling His plans, despite the actions of humans. As readers, we can learn from the examples and lessons presented in this chapter and apply them to our own lives and relationships.
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