SCRIPTURE: 2 SAMUEL 1
INTRODUCTION:
2 Samuel starts with Saul’s death and tells David’s story. He was crowned as king over Judah and king over all Israel. He brought the Covenant back to the Tabernacle and led his armies to victory. He completed the conquest of the Promised Land. But his national victories had also personal defeats. His lust, adultery, and murder had tragic consequences which affected both his family and the nation. Through repentance, his fellowship and peace with was was restored.
DAVID HEARS OF SAUL’S DEATH (vs. 1-16)
After defeating the Amalekites, David returned to Ziklag for two days. On the third day, a young man, an Amalekite from Saul’s camp arrived with his clothes torn and with dust over his head came to David. He brought news to David that Saul and his son Jonathan were dead. He lied to David that Saul told him to kill him and he did it thinking that David would reward him. He took the crown and the band of Saul to David. David and all the men mourned and wept for the death of Saul and his son Jonathan and the defeat of Israel army. Then David called one of his men to strike down the young man because he killed the Lord’s anointed.
DAVID’S LAMENT FOR SAUL AND JONATHAN (vs. 17-27)
David compose a Lament for Saul and Jonathan. He said good thing about Saul and praised him as a mighty warriors. He did not say any unkind words about Saul. He grieved for Jonathan and valued his wonderful friendship of love.
THOUGHTS:
The Amalekite young man lied to David about his identity and about what happened on the battlefield. He got Saul’s crown to gain personal reward for killing David’s rival. But he miscalculate David’s character. As a result, he was being killed. Lying can bring disaster upon the liar even for something he has not done.
Saul caused so much trouble for David. But when Saul was slain, David mourned, wept and fasted for his death. He looked at the positive side of Saul and ignored the times when he used to attack him. He even composed a “Lament” for the king and Jonathan. It takes courage and forgiveness to lay aside hatred and hurt. Do not be happy when tragedy hits your enemy.
David valued the deep brotherhood and faithful friendship he had with Jonathan. How about you? Are you truthful and loyal to your friend?