David Learns Of Saul’s Death

II Samuel 1:1-27

“Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.” (II Samuel 2:1-2) 

A week after the Philistines sent him home, David finally learned the outcome of the battle.  Remember, they had no cell phones or internet, and he had taken three days just to get back from the Philistine camp at Aphek before he found out Ziklag had ben attacked.  With no official standing, he was not notified immediately.  Finally a man came to David with evidence of having a hard time emotionally, with dirt on his head and ripped clothing.

“And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? 

And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. 

And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. 

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. 

And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?” (II Samuel 1:3-5)

The young man stated that he had been with the Israelite army, and had escaped the Philistines, but that many had been killed and the Israelite army routed.  When he stated that both Saul and Jonathan were dead, David asked how sure he was of that.

“And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.  And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me.  And I answered, Here am I.  And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.   He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.” (II Samuel 1:6-9)

As the young man described it, Saul’s attempt to commit suicide had failed, and he had managed to get up again, using his spear to hold himself up.  Since his armor bearer had refused to kill him  for fear of God, Saul asked the young man where he was from, and upon learning he was an Amalekite, with little or no fear of God, begged him to kill him so the Philistines couldn‘t torture him.  

“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.” (II Samuel 1:10)

Convinced Saul could not survive the wounds from the battle and his attempted suicide, the young man complied, believing he was doing Saul a favor by letting him escape further pain.

“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.” (II Samuel 1:11-12)

Though Saul hated him and repeatedly tried to kill him, David respected Saul’s position and had refused to kill him.  Johathan was a close personal friend.  In addition Saul had been king of Israel, and his death was a blow to the nation, compounded by the death of so many of the soldiers.  They observed a period of mourning.

“And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? 

And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?  And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.  And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.” (II Samuel 1:13-16)

David questioned how even an Amalekite could consider it okay to kill anyone, and especially one God had chosen, even in the belief he was alleviating their pain.  Decisions about life or death belong to God, not to man.  Even though he believed Saul could not survive, the young man had no authority to kill him, but was usurping God’s authority.  David ordered him executed in accordance with God’s command in Leviticus 24:17.  “And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.”  David was authorized and commanded to take this action, because he had confessed to the crime.

“And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)” {II Samuel 1:17-18)

David made a memorial speech reminding them of Saul and Jonathan’s impact on Israel.  He also made a point of teaching their children to use the bow and arrow in memory of Jonathan and his use of it.

“The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!  
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.  Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.” (II Samuel 1:19-21)

He called them not to let it become a time of celebration for the Philistines that Saul had been slain, praying that even nature itself not give the appearance of approval.

“From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.  Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.” (II Samuel 1:22-23)

He reminded them of Jonathan’s boldness in battle to deliver Israel and that under Saul  they had experienced great victories.  Even in their deaths, they were working together for Israel.

“Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.  How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!” (II Samuel 1:24-25a)

Saul should be remembered for the prosperity and safety they had enjoyed under his reign.

"O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.  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!’ (II Samuel 1:25b-27)

David himself would remember Jonathan for his wonderful friendship and love, exceeding even the love of a man and wife.

People gravitate toward those who have similar attitudes, as the old saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together.”  David and Jonathan were undoubtedly drawn together by similar attitudes of faith toward God and personal courage.  They were the very things that caused Saul to hate and fear David.