David mourns Saul and Jonathan

2 Samuel Chapter 1

After the death of Saul, David returned from his victory over the Amalekites and spent time in Ziklag. A man arrived on the third day who had come from the Israelite battlefront. He had torn clothes and dirt on his head to show he was in mourning. He told David that he escaped from the Israelite camp. He said that his entire army fled and King Saul and Jonathan were dead. He told a tale of watching Saul on Mount Gilboa and Saul in pain and asking him to put an end to his life. The man said he killed Saul and took his crown and one of his bracelets to bring back to David.

David and his men mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the Lord's army and the nation of Israel. David asked the foreigner to identify himself. And the man said he was an Amalekite, who lived in David's land. David asked him if he was not afraid to kill the Lord's anointed one and then David told his men to kill the stranger. David said the stranger confessed to killing the Lord's anointed one and so died self-condemned.

Then David composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan and later commanded it be taught to all the people of Judah. It is known as the Song of the Bow and is recorded in the Book of Jashar. David was a most accomplished musician and songwriter and it is hoped the readers will read his words in verses 19 through 27 as he describes the mighty heroes who fell in battle and he honors Saul and Jonathan and tells of his love for them.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: David was wise enough to recognize that the stranger was a battlefield scavenger. The Philistines would not have left behind Saul's crown, so the man must have taken it from a dead Saul before the Philistines arrived to take the body. This man was probably unaware of David's recent confrontation with the Amalekites or he would not have come before him and incurred David's wrath.

In honoring Saul and Jonathan, David was a talented musician. He brought music into the worship service in the temple and he wrote many Psalms. David had every reason to hate Saul, but he chose not to. Instead he looked at the good Saul had done and ignored the times Saul had attacked him.

In his funeral song, David refers to Jonathan's love that was "deeper than the love of women". This is not a homosexual love. Homosexual acts were forbidden in Israel. David was simply restating the deep brotherhood and faithful friendship he had with Jonathan.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Today some people seem to think that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness. We may try to hide our feelings. But expressing our grief like David did, can help us deal with our sorrow.
David's ability to be non-judgmental regarding Saul's many sins, should be an inspiration to us. He recognized that it was God's job to judge, not his. Can you overlook the trouble another person has caused you? Can you choose to ignore the times you have been hurt or slighted by another person? It takes courage to lay hurt aside. But God is telling you to not judge and we must all take a cue from David and do what is right and just.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery. Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: A photo of her shows a chubby, alert baby who is breathing on her own. Her eyesight problems seem to be no longer a problem. But she must learn to eat and drink normally. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. Update on Mark: He has some paralysis on one side from the stroke, his eyesight has been impaired too. But he has gone home and his wife cares for him. Soon he will begin therapy. Continue to pray for his healing. Pray also for my aged friend Elaine who underwent surgery and is home healing slowly. Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.