Today’s passage: 2 Samuel 1
Helpful thoughts:
- If you read 1 Samuel 31:1-5, you will see that this report of Saul’s death is false. This man lied to David in order to get on the good side of the now most powerful man in Israel…it backfired.
- David mourned the death of the one who would have been considered his enemy and called on all Israel to do the same. Perhaps not the most shrewd of political moves in the eyes of those who would have an eye on the throne.
- David and Jonathan were kindred spirits and loyal to each other because they were loyal to the LORD. God and His will for Israel was the center of their bond. Liberal scholars will try to inject an agenda into verse 26. Don’t buy it.
Questions to consider:
- Why was it right for David to weep with those who weep and to encourage the nation to mourn the loss of their king and prince? What was Israel’s view of Saul given the things David mentions? What was God’s view and why would that be worth weeping as well?
- Many would have rejoiced in the death of the one who had been doing what Saul had done to David. How was David’s response a proof of his readiness for leadership? What must be the perspective of a godly leader (Matthew 23:11-12)?
- What unites the members of the church? How was the glue that bound David and Jonathan together the same to what binds us together today? (Matthew 12:46-50, 1 John 3:1-2) What is the central message that makes us an eternal family?