
David laments Saul and Jonathan
2 Samuel Chapter 1 – 2:7
Even after Saul’s death, David honors him as God’s anointed king.
We read earlier that Saul killed himself to avoid capture. The messenger who brings David the news of Saul’s death claims that he, not Saul, struck the fatal blow, presumably thinking he will gain David’s gratitude for dispatching his enemy.
To David, though, Saul was never an enemy; he was God’s chosen king.
Whether or not David believed the messenger, his own words condemned him and David had him killed.
In David’s song of lament there are no words of condemnation for Saul, no mention of his madness and no anger at his evil treatment of David—only praise for him and Jonathan, who were “swifter than eagles” and “stronger than lions.”
David has a special lament for Jonathan: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.
David is then told by God to go to Hebron, where he is anointed king over Judah.
He makes a point of thanking the men who buried Saul.
Monday meditation
Proverbs 20:4
Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
Prayer focus
Lord, grant us the graciousness toward those who would harm us that David showed toward Saul.
-Rev. Mark Fleming