2 Samuel 1
David Hears of Saul’s Death (1:1–16)
1–4 While Saul and Jonathan were fighting the Philistines on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1), David was fighting his own battle with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:16–20), after which he returned to Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:26). After two days, an Amalekite who was an alien resident of Israel (verse 13) showed up at Ziklag bringing news of the death of Saul and Jonathan. The Amalekite, knowing that Saul had been persecuting David, clearly assumed that he was bringing David good news!
5–10 The Amalekite said he happened to be on Mount Gilboa during the battle between the Israelites and Philistines; he was probably there robbing fallen soldiers of their weapons and valuables. He may well have invented the story about killing Saul (verses 6–10) in order to get a reward from David; certainly his version of Saul’s death differs from the version presented earlier (see 1 Samuel 31:3–6 and comment).
11–16 The reaction of David and his men to the news of Saul’s death must have surprised the Amalekite: they tore their clothes and mourned and wept and fasted for Saul and Jonathan (verses 11–12).
Then David asked the Amalekite why he had not been afraid to kill the LORD’s anointed (verse 14)—that is, the one whom the Lord had anointed king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). Without waiting for an answer, David ordered the man’s execution. David himself had feared to kill the Lord’s anointed when he had the chance (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9); this Amalekite had condemned himself by stating he had killed Saul—whether his story was true or not. David told him, “Your blood be on your own head” (verse 16), a common expression clearing David of any guilt in connection with the man’s death.
David’s Lament for Saul and Jonathan (1:17–27)
17–18 David then wrote a public lament, a poem mourning the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. It is not known why it was called the lament of the bow (verse 18); it was first written in the Book of Jashar, an ancient account of famous events, of which no copy remains (Joshua 10:12–13).
19–21 Your glory, O Israel (referring to Saul and Jonathan), lies slain on the heights of Mount Gilboa (verse 19). Tell it not in Gath . . . Ashkelon1 (verse 20); David is saying: “Don’t spread the news of Israel’s defeat among the Philistines.” David didn’t want the Philistines to be glad or to rejoice over the deaths of Israel’s leaders.
Then, in verse 21, David pronounces a poetic curse on Mount Gilboa, because that was the place where Israel was defeated and where Saul and Jonathan were killed: “. . . may you have neither dew nor rain. . .”2
22–27 In the remainder of the lament, David praises both Saul and Jonathan. In regard to Saul, David focuses on his strengths, not his weaknesses. He shows no bitterness toward Saul, who for so many years had been his mortal enemy. David sets an example for us all: Do not gloat when your enemy falls . . . or the LORD will see and disapprove (Proverbs 24:17–18).
Then, in verse 26, David especially mourns for the loss of his dear friend Jonathan, whose love was more wonderful than that of women.3 Jonathan’s love was wonderful” because it was self-sacrificing; Jonathan had been willing to give up his right to the throne for David’s sake (1 Samuel 23:16–17).
