2 Samuel 1-4

by Rebekah Johnson


"And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." 2 Samuel 1:12

David and Saul did not have the best relationship to say the least. How many times had Saul hunted David and tried to kill him?

David knew he was next in line for the throne; God had told him. (1 Samuel 16) He knew that when Saul was dead he could assume the crown. How  many nail-biting years must he wait before God's promise came to fruition?

David chose to trust God and do things God's way. When faced with the opportunity to finally get revenge from the evil king who sought his life, David restrained (1 Sam. 24). He refused to take things into his own hands and murder the Lord's anointed.

Here in Samuel 1, Saul is dead. Finally! I don't know about you, but if I were David I would be throwing a royal party! Finally he could be king! Finally he didn't have to hide under rocks and in caves just to stay alive! Instead he mourns. Instead of rewarding Saul's killer he punishes him with the ultimate punishment.

David's mourning was sincere; Israel had been defeated in battle, and God was not pleased. The Lord's anointed had been murdered. David and his people humbled themselves and acknowledged God's hand. He is the One in charge and only He has the authority over life.