September 27, 2021
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 2 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Samuel 1 (NIV)
David Hears of Saul’s Death
1 After the death of Saul, David returned from striking down the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. 2 On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor.
3 “Where have you come from?” David asked him.
Its strange that this man chose to tell a different story of Saul’s death. Looks like he was trying to find favor in David but as David himself had many opportunities to kill Saul he wouldn’t because he was God’s anointed. The man’s execution dictates that David was not impressed
David truly mourns Saul and Jonathan. I wonder if many of us would find such sadness in the death of someone who caused us such misery in their lives
2 Samuel 1
David learns of the deaths of Saul and his sons. The Amalekite’s story of Saul’s death conflicts with 1Samuel 31. He probably thought he was going to get favor from David. Surprise.
David’s lament for Saul was probably more because of his position as opposed to the friendship and love he had for Jonathan.
2 Samuel 1
For sure lying got this amalekite killed. Wonder if he had told the truth. He must have figured I’ll take a shot see if I get a blessing from David. He didn’t realize David would always follow the law. It was against Gods decrees to take the life of one anointed. CAN’T help but think as close as David was to Jonathan, for that reason David mourned. But being the man we have seen, he also wept for Saul. Amazing!!
2 Samuel 1
What a chapter that further reveals David’s character. As others mention, this Amalekite probably thinks David will be happy about learning of Saul’s death and probably get a reward for being the one who killed him. What a story he makes up after he must have come across Saul’s body and took his crown and arm band. He was probably rifling through bodies after the battle, saw Saul dead and figured here’s my payday. Little does he know that David was one who spared Saul’s life and honored him as king regardless. Remember David had just returned from defeating the Amalekites because they had raided and destroyed the place where David and his men had left their wives and children. So that may have contributed to his sudden action to have him killed. But in it he also shows regard for Saul. And the song he sings (wrote?) just reenforces that even more. One would not think that this was the man that hounded David for years. What he says about Jonathan is truly touching. What an indication of the nature of their relationship and how heartbroken he was over his death.
David’s song attributes more to Saul then he deserved! His words about Jonathan show the deep bond he had with him.