2 Samuel 1
-Introduction: The book of 2 Samuel narrates the kingdom of
David with an accurate depiction in the years of the man after God’s own heart
(1 Samuel 13:14). David presents for us, the readers, a model and example to emulate
in many regards, yet David was by no means a perfect individual as we will
explore. We tend to gravitate to people who define and personify our ideals.
Unconsciously, and sometimes on purpose, we copy their actions and adopt their
philosophies and worldview. King David is one of the Scriptures foremost
heroes, and a person worth considering. He comes along at about the half-way
point between Abraham and Jesus in the national history of Israel. He is their
second king and is given, by God’s authority, the eternal Kingdom line through
which Christ Jesus would be born (2 Samuel 7:16-29, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38).
This book was probably written somewhere around 930 B.C. perhaps by the prophet
Nathan’s son, Zabud (1 Kings 4:5). There are also some parts that can probably
be attributed to Nathan and Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29). The completion of this
book, named after the prophet Samuel who anointed David as king yet deceased by
the time of the events of this book, was approximately 40 years after the reign
of King David had ended. His reign begins at the time of King Saul’s death in
1010 B.C. when David was ascribed authority in Judah. By 1003 B.C., some seven
years later, David was in full control of a unified Israel and enjoyed the
expansion of the kingdom, the ark being brought back to its rightful place in
the tabernacle, and military success after success. But, despite all these accomplishments,
we also see the dark side of this king who at times is merely a sinful human
and succumbs to temptation involving laziness, pride, and lust. We see his
family issues spring forth in stunning array, and the pain of dealing with
surmounting situations there. However, through it all David provides for a way
back with his repentant heart (which makes him the man after God’s own heart),
which we can discern extends the grace of God to the humble and contrite. In
the end by 970 B.C. when he goes to be with the LORD, we know that David has an
abiding peace and was in perfect fellowship with his Creator, even though he
like everyone else he had to endure the consequences of his wayward actions.
Look for the themes of God honoring characteristics, for example: faithfulness,
patience, courage, generosity, commitment, honesty, modesty, justice, and
penitence. While enjoying those qualities, also notice the Kingdom growth, the
perils of personal greatness, the consequences of sin, and the repentant heart
themes. 2 Samuel is a classic work of art and an inspiring Word from the LORD.
(Ideas extracted from “New American Standard Bible: Life
Application Study Bible.” Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI, 1995, pgs. 496-497)
-Chapter 1: The book begins after the death of Saul, which occurred
on Mount Gilboa in a battle with the vaunted Philistines (1 Samuel 31,
canonical ties). David had just returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites
because of their vicious attack on his people in Ziklag (see 1 Samuel 30). He
was back in Ziklag, which had been burned with fire, and remained there for two
days. On the third day, however, an Amalekite man who said he had been in Saul’s
camp came with clothes torn and dust on his head. When he approached David, he
fell prostrated to the ground before this valiant warrior out of perceived
respect. Upon David asking where he had come from, the Amalekite told him what
had transpired in the battle between Israel and the Philistines. David was
anxious to know how things were going and was then informed of the carnage that
Israel was dealt including the death of Saul and Jonathan. David wanted proof
of the cessation of the king and his son. The man lied about the way it all
went down, which can be accurately found in 1 Samuel 31. But, he did present
the king’s crown and bracelet that was on his arm. He claimed he had killed the
king who was in agony for his life after the injuries he had received in battle
(2 Samuel 1:1-10). This was untrue. The Amalekite was more than likely a battlefield
scavenger that happened to come upon the king before the Philistines were able
to find him.
-Upon hearing the horrid news, David took hold of his
clothes and ripped them apart. His men who were with him followed suit in
tearing their clothes as well. “They mourned and wept and fasted until evening
for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the LORD and the house of
Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.” This was indeed a fulfillment of
prophecy, but it was a painful time in the camp of David (1 Samuel 28).
-David now attended to the matter of this Amalekite, who was
in fact an alien and despiser of the king. David asked him where he was from
and how it was that he was not afraid to stretch out his hand to destroy the
LORD’s anointed. He eventually had one of his young men to go and cut him down,
which ended the man’s life. Here is David’s final evaluation of the man, “Your
blood is on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I
have killed the LORD’s anointed.’”
-Then, in grief, David chanted this lament over Saul and his
son, Jonathan. He told his people to teach the sons of Judah this “song of the
bow,” which was written in the book of Jashar:
"Your beauty, O Israel, is slain
on your high places! How have the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim
it not in the streets of Ashkelon, or the daughters of the Philistines will
rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. O mountains of Gilboa,
let not dew or rain be on you, nor fields of offerings; for there the shield of
the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. From the
blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not
turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. Saul and Jonathan,
beloved and pleasant in their life, and in their death they were not parted; they
were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel,
weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of
gold on your apparel. How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan
is slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you
have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was more wonderful than the love
of women. How have the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"
-*Application* Our world scorns the emotions of grief and
often tries to repress them to our detriment. Consider how we act around people
that are going through agonizing times in their lives. How do we respond? Do we
shut them up and shut them down? Or, do we offer the hope and help of Christ in
these instances? Too many people are turning to addictions instead of the
Savior in times of intense hurt and pain. We should give them Jesus as the real
healer. We can also see the importance of truthfulness from this episode in the
Scriptures. The Amalekite paid a high price for his distortion and deception.
We will too if we get tangled up in the web of lies and false story telling.
God is a God of truth and reality. Finally, let us consider the friendship of
David and Jonathan. True friends are rare in our world and should be genuinely
cherished.
Verses to Memorize:
2 Samuel 1:16, 26
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