STS Youth Lesson 228 – David Mourns the Death of Saul and Jonathan
Memory Verse: “And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son” (2 Samuel 1:17).
Text: 2 Samuel 1:1-27
Age Group: Youth
David had just returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites when someone ran out of the camp of Saul to meet him. The man hoped to gain David’s favour by bringing news of Saul’s death. He lied about how it happened, and that lie eventually worked against him. This lesson teaches young believers some serious truths about honesty, compassion, and the courage to do what is right even when people hurt you.
This lesson continues the story from STS Youth Lesson 227: The Tragic Death of Saul, where we saw how Saul’s disobedience brought ruin to himself and his sons.
1. The Lies of the Deceiver (2 Samuel 1:1-10, 13-16)
As David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites who had burned Ziklag and captured their wives, a stranger came running toward him. The man had torn his clothes and put earth on his head, signs of mourning. When David asked where he came from, the man said he had escaped from the camp of Israel (verse 3). He probably had been loyal to Saul before but was now looking for a new source of favour and opportunity.
He told David that Saul, Jonathan, and many Israelites had fallen in battle. Then he said something that was not true at all: “I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear…So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord” (verses 6-10).
This was a lie. The Bible clearly records that Saul took his own life by falling on his sword (1 Samuel 31:3-6). The Amalekite made up the story to impress David and earn a reward. This is the mark of a sycophant: a person who flatters others and bends the truth for personal gain.
“And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).
Question 1: What do some young boys and girls do to get undue favour?
Some young people make up stories to impress others, flatter those they want to manipulate, gossip about their peers, or even offer bribes to get opportunities. These things may seem to work for a little while, but they never end well. David did not take the man’s story at face value. He asked questions and sought to verify the man’s identity and the truth of his claims.
Christian youths must be careful with the stories they receive and repeat. Do not share, forward, or broadcast any information you have not verified. The Bible says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). The same way David identified the lie in this young man’s words, you can learn to identify false teaching by comparing everything to the Word of God.
2. The Lot of Deceivers (Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8)
David responded firmly: “How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Samuel 1:14). The Amalekite claimed to have killed God’s anointed king. This showed he had no real respect for God’s servant or the calling on him. David ordered his execution (verse 15).
This is a strong warning for young believers. We must never dishonour, blackmail, or speak against God’s servants. Our pastors, youth leaders, and workers carry God’s anointing. The Scripture says, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15).
Question 2: What is the lot of deceivers?
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Deceivers will not enter the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). If they refuse to repent, their final portion is eternal separation from God. The Amalekite received death as his judgment on earth, and that is a sober reminder that sin always carries a price.
3. The Lamentation of David (2 Samuel 1:11-12, 18-27)
David and all his men tore their clothes and wept. They fasted until evening for Saul, Jonathan, the people of God, and the soldiers of Israel who had died by the sword (verses 11-12). David was deeply broken. He did not celebrate the fall of his enemy. He mourned like a true man of God.
“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).
We are called to share both the joys and the pains of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. When Jesus stood at the tomb of Lazarus, He wept (John 11:35). He felt the sorrow of those around Him. In the same way, we cannot look away from the needs and the grief of those around us.
David went further. He composed a song of mourning for Saul and Jonathan, not just because they had died, but because of who they were to Israel. He even said, “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph” (verse 20). He did not want the enemies of Israel to celebrate their loss. He guarded the memory of Saul, even though Saul had spent years trying to kill him.
Question 3: What commendable attitudes did David show when he heard of Saul’s death?
David did not rejoice over the news. He did not speak badly of the man who had persecuted him. He called Saul “the mighty” and “the anointed with oil.” He praised Saul’s strength and generosity to Israel. He did not dwell on the personal pain between them.
His deepest grief was for Jonathan, his closest friend. “I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!” (verses 26-27).
Question 4: What can we learn from David’s reaction and apply to our own lives?
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). As Christian youths, we are to sympathise with those who are not in a right relationship with God and work to restore them, not mock them or take pleasure in their struggles.
Questions for Review
- What do some young boys and girls do to get undue favour from others?
- How can Christian youths identify false teaching?
- What is the final lot of those who choose deception over repentance?
- List the commendable attitudes David showed when he received news of Saul’s death.
- What can we learn from the reaction of David and apply to our friendships and relationships today?
Related STS Youth Lessons
- Previous Lesson: STS Youth Lesson 227 – The Tragic Death of Saul
- STS Youth Lesson 226: David’s Victory Over the Amalekites
- STS Youth Lesson 225: Saul Consults a Witch at Endor
- STS Youth Lesson 224: David’s Deception and Rejection
Also study the Adult version of this lesson for a deeper exposition of 2 Samuel 1:1-27.