King Saul died. We begin our 2 Samuel study on this sad note. An Amalekite man who saw King Saul leaning on his sword to die helped Saul finish the task.
It was clear that the archers from the Philistines had already found and critically wounded Saul. Saul had asked his armor bearer to finish the task, but he could not. Instead the armor bearer chose to die himself by use of his own sword. As Saul was still suffering, the Amalekite man came along. Saul asked him to finish his death. He did so.
For some strange reason, the man came to Ziklag to tell David King Saul died. Many of David’s men had once been thieves and/or murderers. Maybe this man thought the men at Ziklag would have pity on him and give him refuge. Surely the men of Israel would be looking for the life of the one who had become part of the reason that King Saul died.
THE IRONY OF SAUL’S DEATH
Take note that the man who finished the life of Saul was an Amalekite. God previously commanded Saul to wipe out the Amalekites. He was not supposed to leave one alive. Saul had disobeyed. Ironically, it was an Amalekite’s sword that ended Saul’s life.
It was at Saul’s request though, because he knew he was dying anyway. The Philistine enemies had wounded him beyond help. Saul did not want a Philistine’s arrows to be the cause of the end of his life. It was an Amalekite who gave Saul the final blow of death with his sword. Saul had requested it, and the man had granted Saul his desire.
JUDGEMENT COMES TO THE AMALEKITE
At any rate, the young Amalekite man came to David telling his story. He left no doubt in proclaiming the fact that Saul and Jonathan had died in battle on Mount Gilboa.
David asked for proof that Saul died. This young Amalekite man showed him the things of Saul’s possessions which he had taken. Since he had these things of Saul’s, and Saul had hunted for David in order to kill him, some believe the man was seeking a reward from David. However, David’s loyalty to God’s anointed did not end with death. The Amalekite man had killed God’s anointed King. David ordered one of his men to kill him.
MOURNING SAUL AND JONATHAN
Then David and his men begin to mourn the loss of their King. David did what writers do when they reach places in life that cause them to mourn and seek comfort. He sought out his pen and composed poetry in the form of Psalms to express his grief.
Also, David announced that the people of Israel should all offer a lament called The Lament of the Bow. The scriptures note this lament is recorded in The Book of Jashar. So, apparently the nation of Israel was familiar with the Book of Jashar at the time of Saul’s death.
THE BOOK OF JASHAR
As for our familiarity today, The Book of Jashar is mentioned twice in the bible. There is this passage from 2 Samuel and another passage from The Book of Joshua which speaks of a battle where the sun and moon stood still until after Israel’s battle with their enemies.
However, The Book of Jashar is not an official canonical book of the scriptures. It has been noted by many as a “lost book.” Also, there have also been many forgeries of this book over the years. Lots of people have claimed to have found the original book, but they have been deceived.
For that reason, I’m not going to draw any conclusions as to whether or not we should give any authority to this lost book. I will let our readers do that study on their own.
THE LAMENT OF THE BOW
My study is more curious to know more about The Lament of the Bow. This is the lament which David used during his personal time of mourning Saul. Also, he proclaimed that the whole nation of Israel should use this lament. I seem to remember that same title for another lament from former studies of other people in the scriptures. It is my hope to study this subject further during the next week. Afterward, I hope to speak more of it when we review the lament in next week’s lesson.
Of course, I have questions. Why did David choose this lament over all others? I have many thoughts on this subject, but for some reason I feel all of this requires deeper study. I will let you know in the next lesson if that study goes anywhere. Perhaps some of you might want to join this side trip with me. Your comments are welcomed here.
ISRAEL MOURNS THEIR KING
At any rate, Saul was no longer King. The people of Israel are now in deep mourning. They have suffered a severe blow from their enemies. David is especially heart-broken over the loss of Jonathan. He has nothing but praise for these two men in the first chapter of 2 Samuel, even though Saul had repeatedly wronged him. David never forgot to respect God’s anointed.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray for those who mourn today. Israel, as a nation is mourning. Antisemitism rears its ugly head in all of the nations. Please comfort Your people. Bless those who follow you at all cost no matter what.
Father, others are in mourning for less complicated and simpler reasons. The hurt is just as strong. Please be with all who are mourning today. Bring the comforting hope of Your Holy Spirit and continue to lead us, as you continued to lead David. May we all share his steadfast respect, loyalty and love to Your Anointed One. Amen.