Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Lamentation Over Saul

◄ David: King of Israel: Lamentation Over Saul ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his complex character and deep relationship with God. One of the most poignant episodes in David's life is his lamentation over the deaths of King Saul and Jonathan, as recorded in 2 Samuel 1:17-27. This lamentation, often referred to as "The Song of the Bow," reveals David's profound respect and love for Saul and Jonathan, despite the tumultuous relationship he had with Saul.

Context and Background

Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel but later fell out of favor with God due to his disobedience. David, chosen by God to succeed Saul, spent years fleeing from Saul's attempts to kill him. Despite this, David consistently showed respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed king. The deaths of Saul and his son Jonathan in battle against the Philistines marked a significant turning point in Israel's history and in David's life.

The Lamentation

Upon hearing of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David and his men tore their clothes and mourned, fasting until evening. David's lamentation is a heartfelt expression of grief and honor, capturing the depth of his emotions. The lament is recorded in 2 Samuel 1:17-27:

"Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar: 'Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. O mountains of Gilboa, may you have neither dew nor rain, nor fields of offerings. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the flesh of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold. How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother. You were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more than the love of women. How the mighty have fallen and the weapons of war have perished!'"

Analysis

David's lamentation is notable for its sincerity and depth of feeling. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit of David, the lamentation reflects no bitterness or resentment. Instead, David honors Saul's contributions as king and mourns the loss of Jonathan, his beloved friend. The lamentation is structured as a poetic tribute, emphasizing the valor and nobility of Saul and Jonathan. David's command to teach the "Song of the Bow" to the people of Judah underscores his desire to preserve the memory of Saul and Jonathan's heroism.

The lamentation also highlights David's capacity for forgiveness and his understanding of God's sovereignty. By mourning Saul, David acknowledges Saul's anointed status and the tragic nature of his downfall. The lamentation serves as a testament to David's character, demonstrating his ability to honor God's anointed and to grieve deeply for those he loved, even amidst personal suffering and loss.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 1:17-27
And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... Even David had been like the kings of other eastern ... to take refuge with the great
Shishak, King of Egypt ... have learnt the idolatries from which Israel had been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

David the Outcast.
... Lord, and knew also that it was the King who had ... he went away through the dark to
the camp of Israel. ... a messenger brought news of the battle to David he rent ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii david the outcast.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... messages that he has chosen David to be king, and he ... said unto David, O Lord God
of Israel, when I ... most likely Jonathan fell, and over him David raised his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... cause of the faithful followers of David being driven ... in Ramah just before Christ
returns and restores Israel. ... in that land after the death of the false King. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Letter cxxii. To Rusticus.
... how shall I deliver thee, Israel? ... Against thee, thee only have I sinned""as a king
he had no ... upon all." [3170] And such was the progress that David made that ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxii to rusticus.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... that one of Jesse's sons is to be king; and it ... here applied to Zion, the city where
David encamped, the ... in his lamentation over the princes of Israel who, [Pg ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

And ii.
... which is so much the more significant, that in this impending catastrophe, Israel
also was to lose his king (compare iv.9), and that in it David was to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Psalms
... Later ages regarded David as the father of sacred song ... of psalms which proclaim Jehovah
as King, and ring ... almost more than any other in Israel's history, to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/psalms.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... the Jews also and the children of Israel, although God ... even God repented that he
had anointed Saul to be king. ... an Absalom and desire to kill a David who mourns ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Questions.
... What partial reformation took place in Israel? 14. ... and Salathiel was his adopted
son of another branch of David's family, or ... Who was the last King of Judah? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm