STS Adult Lesson 228 – David Mourns the Death of Saul and Jonathan
The book of First Samuel ended on a sad note with the defeat of Israel and the death of King Saul in battle. David, who was anointed to take over the throne, was on a self-exile in the land of the Philistines. It is against this background that the second book of Samuel begins. This lesson from 2 Samuel 1:1-27 gives Christians deep lessons on forgiveness, compassion, wisdom in dealing with flattery, and the power of intercession for the lost.
Memory Verse: “Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword” (2 Samuel 1:11, 12).
Text: 2 Samuel 1:1-27
Barely three days after David’s successful rescue and recovery mission over Ziklag, a sycophant and self-professed war escapee travelled about 125 kilometres with news of the death of Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:1,2). His action reminds one of the desperations of the ungodly in anticipation of personal gains. The build-up to this study stems from David’s characteristic concern for the people of God. Like him, Christians should show maximum interest in the welfare of God’s people or projects, even if they are not directly involved. They should pray, provide for the needy and support the work of God where necessary.
1. David’s Reaction to the News of Saul’s Death (2 Samuel 1:1-12)
The response of the Amalekite escapee to David’s enquiry was not cheering. “…And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also” (2 Samuel 1:4). Considering the promise and power of the God of Israel, such a defeat was usually an indication of divine displeasure or reprimand. David was genuinely distraught and distressed; he identified with his nation and expressed profound grief for King Saul and Jonathan, his faithful friend. This is a classic legacy of patriotism, faithfulness and uncommon loyalty to leaders.
David displayed an uncommon virtue that only the grace of God can cultivate towards a self-avowed enemy. For most people, the misfortune or death of an enemy would elicit spontaneous joy and uncomplimentary remarks about the victim. But David’s reaction reminds us that the fall of a pervert is not a licence for the misconduct of the pious. It also teaches us that whether in a war situation or consequence of an ailment, accident or any other cause, death should evoke a sense of sympathy and rallying support for the bereaved.
The spontaneity, unity and similarity of the reaction of his company speak volumes, not only on the impactful leadership qualities of David, but also on the integrity of his men. Christians should willingly and eagerly conform to the godly lifestyles of their leaders. By so doing, the word of God will not be blasphemed (2 Samuel 1:11,12; Galatians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,7; Hebrews 13:7).
Though Saul had lost the battle even before it began, he did not eventually die alone. The catalogue of victims included the faulty and fretful, faithful and faultless, and the fit and fighting soldiers. Where one aligns often informs where one is consigned. David also felt for the many who lost their lives while faithfully discharging their duties to the nation under Saul who had exhausted the limits of God’s forbearance.
The spiritual state of Saul before his death was quite pathetic (1 Samuel 28:7; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Psalm 9:17; Hebrews 9:27). Realising therefore that hell is the eternal destiny of sinners, every individual should, as a matter of urgency, get reconciled with God by repenting of sin and appropriating God’s offer of salvation through Christ before death strikes.
2. Dire Recompense for the Sycophant’s Deception (2 Samuel 1:13-16)
Against the backdrop of the genuine account of the death of King Saul in a previous study (1 Samuel 31:4-6), the report given by the Amalekite is false. The truth is that he had been somewhere close to the scene of the event, listened to the king’s last conversation, and witnessed his last breath. Being chanced to have access to the corpses of Saul and his aides ahead of the Philistines, he decided to take the royal insignia in the hope of exploiting the situation for personal advantage.
He thought David would give him a reward for his tidings (2 Samuel 4:10). However, his hope was dashed as he was recompensed with instant death for declaring his effrontery at laying his hands on the Lord’s anointed (2 Samuel 1:14-16).
The Amalekite in this study was naive in two respects. First, he mistook David for a typically depraved individual who would take delight in the demise of a perceived enemy. He was not aware that David had once and again refrained from such an act even when there were ample opportunities. It is heart-warming that he overcame the subtle temptation inherent in this encounter. Genuine Christians must always be living testimonies of the change Christ’s grace affords (Matthew 5:39).
Second, he was ignorant of a subsisting divine sentence upon him and generations of his descendants, which disposed him to death (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Since the sins of his nation had not been expiated and God’s wrath had not been mitigated, his visit to a divinely commissioned personality like David was a fatal miscalculation. The Amalekite died for misusing his tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:3).
As believers, care must be taken not to fall prey to those who may want to take undue advantage of us. An intimate relationship with the Lord, uncompromising holiness, continual fulness of the Spirit, and possession of appropriate spiritual gifts are vital for early detection (Acts 5:1-10; Ezra 4:1-4).
David’s handling of the impostor proved his innocence, absolved him of any possible supposition of complicity in the fate of the deceased king, impressed the people and endeared him to God who rewarded him, established his kingdom and gave him an enduring covenant (Psalm 35:11-14; Romans 12:14-17; 1 Peter 3:9-17). The moving dirge he composed further revealed the sincerity of his affection and the depth of his agony. Besides, it perpetuated his uncommon devotion to the nation’s interest in the annals of history.
3. Dirge Recorded for the Nation’s Sorrowful Disposition (2 Samuel 1:17-27)
David’s lamentation reflects the pulse of the nation, which was in agony for the national defeat and disgrace, the loss of spouses and sons, and towns and settlements taken over by their enemies. The depth of his mourning and the touching nature of the elegy were uncommon. In it, he lamented their loss, wished the event would not be celebrated among the Philistines, placed a perpetual curse on the mountains of Gilboa (which have remained sterile ever since), and highlighted the commendable attributes of the departed warriors.
While it may not be surprising for anyone to grieve for the untimely death of a devoted friend like Jonathan, David’s genuine mourning for Saul goes beyond the ordinary. The parenthetical note in verse 18 shows David going the extent of preserving the geshet (the bow), which is the title of the song, for posterity. To have encouraged its dissemination among his immediate kinsmen, to be sung in honour of someone who remained his unprovoked and implacable enemy till death, was commendable and instructive to believers.
The dirge recognised the strong points in the life of the deceased monarch. First, it reaffirmed the sanctity of his anointing, which confers the right of honour on him. This challenges Christians to respect leaders on account of their appointment (Romans 13:1,2; Titus 3:1,2; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Second, it praised his valour and strength on account of the various battles and victories for Israel during his lifetime. Third, it eulogised Saul’s economic policies, which improved the living conditions of the people. Fourth, it was silent on his mischief. This is a testimony to David’s forgiveness for all the wrongs Saul did to him, and challenges believers to heed Christ’s command:
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
Fifth, it says nothing of his piety and fidelity. Though these rank higher than all other virtues, they were missing in Saul’s life. No matter how charitable we like to be as Christians, lofty credentials must not be imputed to flatter undeserving individuals.
The elegy ends with a final groan: “How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!” (2 Samuel 1:27). Figuratively, every born-again believer can be a potent weapon for the emancipation of humanity from the captivity of Satan. The battle against sin and its consequences must be won at all fronts, by relentlessly proclaiming the tidings of the saving grace of God through faith in Christ. Failure to deliver on this mandate implies a great wastage of spiritual weaponry and impending peril (Matthew 28:18-20; 25:25-30; Ezekiel 3:17,18).
David’s dirge was commendable but it did no good for the eternal state of Saul. Believers should rather lament and intercede for sinners who are physically alive but spiritually dead. We should seek to rescue them from eternal death through ceaseless labour and prayers.
“…that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil…” (2 Timothy 2:25,26).
Questions for Review
- Outline vital lessons from David’s disposition to the death of Saul and Jonathan.
- Why is the repentance of sinners urgent and indispensable?
- What caution should Christians take given the character of the Amalekite in the text?
- How can we deal with sycophants in a Christian assembly?
- Comment on the content of David’s composition.
- What can Christians learn from the lamentation of David for Saul and Jonathan?
- Why is intercession preferred to lamentation?