2 Samuel Chapter 1
Introduction to 2 Samuel
The book of Second Samuel continues the historical narrative begun in First Samuel, chronicling the reign of David, the greatest king of Israel. It is both a record of triumph and tragedy, showing how a man after God’s own heart can rise to remarkable heights of faith and fall to devastating depths of sin. Second Samuel presents David’s consolidation of power, his covenant relationship with God, his moral failures, and the lasting consequences that followed.
Authorship and Date
Jewish and Christian tradition attribute the authorship of both First and Second Samuel to the prophet Samuel, with additions by the prophets Nathan and Gad. According to 1 Chronicles 29:29, “Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer.” The book was likely compiled during or shortly after David’s reign (around 970 B.C.).
Purpose and Theme
The central purpose of Second Samuel is to show how God established David’s dynasty according to His covenant promises and to reveal how the blessings of obedience and the judgments of sin play out in the life of Israel’s king. The major theme is the sovereignty of God in raising up and directing human rulers. David’s life becomes a vivid example of both divine grace and divine justice.
Key Verse
2 Samuel 7:16 — “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.”
This verse expresses the Davidic Covenant, God’s unconditional promise to establish David’s lineage forever, ultimately fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of David.
Historical Context
Second Samuel opens with the death of Saul and Jonathan and traces David’s rise from king of Judah to king over all Israel. He conquers Jerusalem and makes it his capital, brings the Ark of the Covenant there, and secures Israel’s borders from her enemies. However, the middle and later sections of the book record David’s sin with Bathsheba and the ensuing turmoil within his household and kingdom.
The book reveals how personal sin affects national destiny. Though David was forgiven, the consequences of his sin rippled throughout his family and reign. The rebellion of Absalom, the conspiracy of Sheba, and the judgment of God on Israel underscore the truth that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Outline of 2 Samuel
The Triumph of David (Chapters 1–10)
David’s rise to power after Saul’s death.
His victories over Israel’s enemies.
The establishment of Jerusalem as the capital.
The bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem.
God’s covenant with David.
The Transgression of David (Chapters 11–12)
David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah’s death.
The prophet Nathan’s rebuke.
David’s repentance and forgiveness.
The Troubles of David (Chapters 13–24)
The family tragedies that followed: Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom.
Absalom’s rebellion and death.
David’s later years, numbering the people, and the plague.
Christ in 2 Samuel
The Davidic Covenant in chapter 7 is a direct foreshadowing of Christ. Jesus is called “the Son of David” and fulfills the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Luke 1:32–33 says, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” David’s kingship thus points forward to the perfect reign of Christ in the Millennial Kingdom.
Key Lessons and Doctrinal Truths
God’s anointed leader must depend upon divine guidance, not human strength.
Sin brings consequences even to the forgiven believer.
God’s promises are irrevocable and fulfilled perfectly in His timing.
True repentance restores fellowship but does not erase discipline.
The Davidic Covenant confirms God’s plan of redemption through Christ’s eternal rule.
Conclusion
Second Samuel stands as both a monument of divine faithfulness and a warning about the cost of disobedience. It teaches that leadership under God requires humility, integrity, and obedience. David’s reign foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, whose kingdom will be righteous, eternal, and unshakable.
David Mourns the Death of Saul
A. David Learns of Saul and Jonathan’s Deaths
(2 Samuel 1:1–4)
“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. 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.”
After the death of Saul, David received the devastating report that both Saul and Jonathan had fallen in battle against the Philistines. The battle took place on the slopes of Mount Gilboa, where Saul’s tragic life came to its end (1 Samuel 31:1–8). Saul’s life began with humility but ended in rebellion, bitterness, and despair. He was once chosen by God but had turned against the Lord through disobedience and pride. His death marked the close of a dark chapter in Israel’s history and the beginning of a new era under David’s leadership.
When David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, he was still living in Ziklag, the Philistine territory granted to him by Achish. Earlier, David had departed from fellowship with Israel and sought refuge among Israel’s enemies, the Philistines. But God, in His mercy, brought David back through chastening. The Amalekites raided Ziklag, carrying off the families and possessions of David and his men. Broken and distressed, David found strength once again in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6). He pursued the Amalekites, recovered everything that was taken, and returned to Ziklag with renewed faith and humility. Though David remained in Philistine land, he was no longer the same man of compromise—he had been chastened, tested, and restored by the hand of God.
When David came back triumphantly to Ziklag, he waited for word from the battle between Israel and the Philistines. He knew that Saul and Jonathan were leading Israel’s forces and was deeply concerned for their welfare. Then, on the third day, a man arrived from Saul’s camp. His clothes were torn, and dust covered his head, the traditional signs of mourning and grief. When he reached David, he fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, recognizing David’s authority and possible kingship. This act of obeisance suggested that the man saw David as the rightful heir to Israel’s throne. David immediately perceived that the man’s appearance signaled bad news. The torn garments and dust on his head showed mourning over the nation’s defeat. The messenger declared that Israel had fled, many soldiers were dead, and both Saul and Jonathan had fallen.
David’s heart must have sunk at the news. Jonathan, his dearest friend and brother in covenant, was gone. Saul, his long-time adversary and yet the Lord’s anointed, had perished in disgrace. The tragedy was not a cause for celebration but for mourning. David, being a man after God’s own heart, did not rejoice in the downfall of his enemy. He understood the gravity of God’s judgment and the sorrow of Israel’s loss.
(2 Samuel 1:5–10)
“And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? 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. 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.”
David questioned the young man further, seeking confirmation of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths. The Amalekite recounted his supposed encounter with Saul on Mount Gilboa. He claimed that he found Saul mortally wounded and that Saul asked him to finish the job, since his life was still in him but his suffering was great. The Amalekite said he stood over Saul, killed him, and took the crown and bracelet from his body, bringing them to David as a token of loyalty.
However, this story conflicts with the account in 1 Samuel 31:4–5, where Scripture records that Saul fell upon his own sword and his armor bearer, seeing that Saul was dead, did likewise. This inconsistency reveals that the Amalekite’s story was fabricated. He likely came across Saul’s body after the battle, plundered the crown and bracelet, and devised this tale to win David’s favor. Adam Clarke wrote, “The whole account which this young man gives is a fabrication… he found the crown and bracelets of Saul, and told the lie of having dispatched him merely to ingratiate himself with David.” The Amalekite expected a reward, thinking David would rejoice to hear that his rival was dead and that the throne was now his. But the Amalekite misunderstood the heart of the man of God.
The young man’s identity added deep irony to the story. He was an Amalekite. God had commanded Saul to destroy Amalek completely in 1 Samuel 15:2–3, saying, “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel… now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have.” Saul disobeyed, sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock. Now, at the end of his life, an Amalekite appeared to finish what Saul had failed to do. The instrument of judgment came from the very people Saul had been commanded to destroy. What Saul spared in disobedience ultimately rose up to destroy him.
Throughout Scripture, Amalek serves as a vivid picture of the flesh—the carnal nature that opposes God. Like our fleshly nature, Amalek attacks the weary and faint (Deuteronomy 25:17–18), has no fear of God (Deuteronomy 25:18), and is in constant conflict with God’s people (Exodus 17:16). Victory over Amalek, like victory over the flesh, comes only through dependence upon God, symbolized when Moses’ hands were raised in prayer during battle (Exodus 17:11–13). God promised to utterly blot out Amalek from under heaven (Exodus 17:14). Amalek was once first among nations but would one day be last (Numbers 24:20). The lesson is clear—if the believer does not deal with the flesh as God commands, it will rise again and bring ruin. Saul’s failure to obey God concerning Amalek ended with his own destruction at the hand of an Amalekite.
When the Amalekite said, “I took the crown that was upon his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord,” we can picture him presenting the items with pride, expecting honor or promotion. He assumed David would be glad to receive Saul’s crown and rejoice that his path to kingship was now open. But David was not motivated by ambition or vengeance. He feared the Lord and would not rejoice in the downfall of the one whom God had once anointed king. The Amalekite’s smile would soon fade as he discovered that the man after God’s own heart valued righteousness and loyalty to God above personal gain.
(2 Samuel 1:11–12)
“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.”
When David heard of Saul’s death, he tore his garments in grief. The tearing of one’s clothes was a traditional sign of deep mourning and distress in Israel. Rather than rejoicing over the death of his enemy, David was brokenhearted. We might expect celebration after years of persecution and suffering under Saul’s jealousy and wrath, yet David’s response was the opposite. His sorrow revealed the nobility of his heart and his submission to the will of God. David had endured Saul’s hatred, his attempts on his life, and his betrayal, yet he never ceased to view Saul as the Lord’s anointed. Out of pure jealousy, Saul had driven David into exile, taken his wife, forced him to live among Israel’s enemies, and spent years hunting him as a criminal. Still, David mourned for the man who had caused him so much pain.
This powerful moment teaches that bitterness and hatred are not inevitable reactions—they are choices. David could have harbored resentment, but instead, he chose grace. He allowed adversity to refine him rather than corrupt him. David’s heart had long since been prepared by God through trial and suffering, and when the news came of Saul’s death, his character shone through. As Romans 12:19 declares, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
David’s men followed his example. They too tore their clothes and joined him in mourning. These men had every human reason to hate Saul—he had pursued them relentlessly and branded them as outlaws. Yet their loyalty to David and their respect for God’s authority led them to share in his grief. Godly leadership produces godly followers. The men of David’s band mirrored their leader’s humility and compassion, weeping and fasting for Saul, Jonathan, and all Israel who had fallen by the sword.
David’s sorrow extended beyond personal loss. He wept not only for Saul and Jonathan but for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel. The fall of Israel’s king meant more than political change—it symbolized a spiritual and national tragedy. Israel was now weakened and vulnerable before her enemies. The Philistines had not only slain the king but had also brought reproach upon the name of the God of Israel. David’s mourning showed his shepherd’s heart for the nation. He felt the weight of Israel’s defeat and the suffering of her people.
It is significant that even at this critical turning point—when David could finally claim the throne anointed to him some twenty years before—he expressed no thought for himself. His first response was not ambition but compassion. As F. B. Meyer observed, “His generous soul, oblivious to itself, poured out a flood of the noblest tears man ever shed 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.” This moment underscores that David’s heart was truly after God’s own heart—a heart that grieves over sin, loss, and the suffering of God’s people rather than rejoicing in personal triumph.
(2 Samuel 1:13–16)
“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.”
After mourning, David turned again to the Amalekite who brought the report of Saul’s death. When David asked him where he was from, the young man replied that he was the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite. Likely, the messenger still expected reward, believing David would rejoice to hear that his enemy was gone and that he had been the instrument of Saul’s end. Instead, David’s expression must have turned from sorrow to holy indignation. He said, “How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” David’s question exposed the Amalekite’s reckless presumption. Even though Saul had acted wickedly and opposed God’s purposes, he was still the one whom God had appointed king. David had learned this lesson through years of testing—when God places someone in authority, it is His to remove that person, not man’s. David refused to take vengeance or hasten God’s timing. Twice he had spared Saul’s life when he could have killed him (1 Samuel 24:4–7; 26:9–11), saying, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed.”
The Amalekite failed to grasp this reverence for God’s authority. In claiming to have killed Saul, he confessed to striking down the one whom God had anointed as king over Israel. Even if his story was false, his words alone testified against him. David, therefore, commanded one of his men to execute the Amalekite, declaring, “Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee.” Justice was swift and righteous. David would not tolerate or reward one who presumed to kill God’s chosen leader. This action also demonstrated that David’s mourning was genuine. His grief for Saul was not mere pretense; it was sincere. He honored Saul’s position even though Saul had not honored him.
There were many reasons that might have excused the Amalekite’s act: Saul was in rebellion, Saul had repeatedly tried to murder David, Saul was mortally wounded, and even Saul himself had requested death. Yet none of these reasons justified raising a hand against the Lord’s anointed. Except in cases of lawful warfare, self-defense, or divine command, it is God alone who has the authority to end a life. As Deuteronomy 32:39 declares, “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.” David recognized that truth and upheld it. The Amalekite, by his own confession, condemned himself.
David’s judgment in this moment set the moral tone for his coming reign. He demonstrated that his kingship would be built upon righteousness, reverence for God, and submission to divine authority. He would not claim the throne by bloodshed or ambition but by waiting on the Lord’s timing.
B. David’s Lament for Saul and Jonathan
(2 Samuel 1:17–18)
“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.)”
David’s lamentation reveals the depth of his heart and the sincerity of his grief. His sorrow was not only for his friend Jonathan but also for Saul, the man who had caused him so much pain. Instead of rejoicing over the death of his rival, David chose to honor Saul’s memory and express his grief through a song—a poetic lament known as The Song of the Bow. The very act of composing this song shows that David’s mourning was not shallow emotion, but deep, spiritual sorrow born out of respect, love, and humility before God.
David also instructed that this song be taught to the children of Judah, calling it The Song of the Bow. This likely referred to Jonathan’s skill and valor with the bow, symbolizing his courage and devotion in battle. David wanted future generations to remember both Saul and Jonathan, not for their failures, but for their bravery and sacrifice for Israel.
The mention of the Book of Jasher provides a historical context. This ancient book, also mentioned in Joshua 10:13, was likely a collection of national poems and heroic songs commemorating the great deeds of Israel’s warriors. It was not Scripture but a historical record referenced by the inspired writers of the Bible. It is wrong to suggest, as some have done, that such references indicate a “lost book of the Bible.” The canon of Scripture is complete and perfectly preserved by the providence of God. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 declares, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The inspired Word of God lacks nothing, and its sufficiency stands without dependence upon any lost ancient writings.
(2 Samuel 1:19–27)
“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. 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. 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! 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!”
David’s lament begins with the cry, “The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!” The phrase beauty of Israel refers to the glory, strength, and nobility that Saul and Jonathan once represented to the nation. Despite Saul’s flaws, David saw the dignity of his kingship and the valor of his son. His song is filled with honor rather than resentment. David saw beauty in Saul’s leadership, bravery in his warfare, and dignity in his anointing. Even after years of persecution, David could still see good in the man who wronged him. This reveals a heart that was tender toward God and free from bitterness.
David’s lament forbids the Philistines from rejoicing: “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon.” He could not bear the thought of Israel’s enemies celebrating the defeat of God’s people. His passion was for God’s glory and Israel’s honor. He even cursed the mountains of Gilboa where Saul and Jonathan fell, saying, “Let there be no dew, neither let there be rain upon you, nor fields of offerings.” The physical curse on the land mirrored his spiritual grief—those mountains that saw Israel’s defeat would forever stand as a silent witness to the tragedy.
David praised Saul and Jonathan as warriors: “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.” Whatever Saul’s personal failures, he had fought bravely for Israel. Jonathan, especially, was a symbol of courage and faith. The two men, father and son, had fought side by side and died together. David beautifully describes them as “lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided.” Despite their differences, they were united in death.
He then calls upon the daughters of Israel to weep for Saul. This line recalls how women had once sung in celebration of Saul’s victories: “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). Now, instead of singing praise, David calls them to mourning: “Who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.” Saul had once brought prosperity and honor to Israel, and David remembered the good rather than the evil.
The refrain, “How are the mighty fallen,” appears three times in the song, emphasizing both the tragedy of Saul’s fall and the frailty of human greatness. Saul’s true fall, however, had come long before the battle of Gilboa. His downfall began when he hardened his heart against God, rejected His Word, and persecuted the man chosen to succeed him. The death on Gilboa was simply the visible end of a spiritual collapse that had begun years before.
David’s grief deepened when he spoke of Jonathan: “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.” Jonathan’s death cut deeply into David’s heart. Jonathan had been his closest friend, his confidant, and his ally in the service of God. Their bond was based on loyalty, faith, and spiritual kinship. There is not the slightest implication of sexual affection in David’s words. Their love was one of pure brotherhood—a sacred bond of friendship that transcended worldly relationships. Our modern, perverse age struggles to comprehend that deep love can exist without immorality, yet Scripture is clear: Jonathan’s love for David was a reflection of covenant faithfulness and divine friendship, not passion or lust.
David said Jonathan’s love surpassed that of women, not because it was improper, but because his experiences with women had been marred by failure and sin. Had David kept God’s plan for marriage—one man and one woman united in faith and purity—he would have found fulfillment that only God’s design provides. His many wives and divided affections left him empty. In contrast, his friendship with Jonathan had been faithful, sacrificial, and steadfast.
The final words, “How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!” close the song with solemn reflection. The weapons of war represent both the strength of Israel’s heroes and the futility of human power apart from God. Saul’s armor and Jonathan’s bow lay silent on Gilboa, symbols of a nation’s sorrow.
David’s lament reveals a heart that truly forgave and a spirit purified from vengeance. He did not only refrain from striking Saul’s body—he refused to strike him with his words. This lament stands as one of the most noble passages in Scripture, showing the mercy, integrity, and humility of a man who trusted God completely. As 1 Peter 4:8 teaches, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
