2nd Samuel Chapter 1

From The Open Bible Project

1:1 It happened after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

• The Argument - This book and the former are called Samuel, because they contain the conception, birth and the whole course of his life, and also the lives and acts of two kings, that is, of Saul and David, whom he anointed and consecrated kings by the ordinance of God. The first book contains those things which God brought to pass among this people under the government of Samuel and Saul. This second book declares the noble acts of David, after the death of Saul when he began to reign, to the end of his kingdom, and how it was expanded by him. It also contains the great troubles and dangers he sustained both within his house and without, the horrible and dangerous insurrections, uproars, and treasons wrought against him, partly by false counsellors, feigned friends and flatterers and partly by his own children and people. By God’s assistance he overcame all difficulties, and enjoyed his kingdom in rest and peace. In the person of David the scripture sets forth Christ Jesus the chief king, who came from David according to the flesh, and was persecuted on every side with outward and inward enemies, as well in his own person, as in his members, but at length he overcomes all his enemies, and gives his Church victory against all power both spiritual and temporal; and so reigns with them, king for ever.

1:2 it happened on the third day, that behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes torn, and earth on his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

• (a) Seeming to lament the overthrow of the people of Israel.

1:3 David said to him, "Where do you come from?" He said to him, "I have escaped out of the camp of Israel."

1:4 David said to him, "How did it go? Please tell me." He answered, "The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also."

1:5 David said to the young man who told him, "How do you know that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?"

1:6 The 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 hard after him.

• (b) As I fled the chase.

1:7 When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, 'Here I am.'

1:8 He said to me, 'Who are you?' I answered him, 'I am an Amalekite.'

• (c) He was an Amalekite born, but renounced his country and joined with the Israelites.

1:9 He said to me, 'Stand, please, beside me, and kill me; for anguish has taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.'

• (d) I am sorry, because I am yet alive.

1:10 So I stood beside him, and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after that 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."

1:11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and tore them; and likewise all the men who were with him.

1:12 They mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of [1] Yahweh, [See 2nd Samuel Footnotes 1] and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

1:13 David said to the young man who told him, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite."

• (e) After the lamentation, he examined him again.

1:14 David said to him, "How were you not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy Yahweh's anointed?"

1:15 David called one of the young men, and said, "Go near, and fall on him." He struck him, so that he died.

1:16 David said to him, "Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have slain Yahweh's anointed.'"

• (f) You are justly punished for your fault.

1:17 David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son

1:18 (and he bade them teach the children of Judah [the song of] the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar):

• (g) That they might be able to match their enemies the Philistines in that art.

1:19 "Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!

• (h) Meaning Saul.

1:20 Don't tell it in Gath. Don't publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil.

• (i) Let their fertile fields be barren, and bring forth no fruit to offer to the Lord.

1:22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan's bow didn't turn back. Saul's sword didn't return empty.

1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.

• (k) They died both together in Gilboa.

1:24 You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet delicately, who put ornaments of gold on your clothing.

• (l) As rich garments and costly jewels.

1:25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places.

1:26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

• (m) Either toward their husbands or their children.

1:27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"