INTRODUCTION:

As First Samuel marks the failure of man in Eli, Saul, and even Samuel, so Second Samuel marks the restoration of order through the enthroning of God's king, David. This book also records the establishment of Israel's political center in Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:6-12), and here religious center in Zion (2 Sam. 5:7; 6:1-17). When all was thus ordered, Jehovah established the great Davidic Covenant (II Samuel 7:8-17) out of which all kingdom truth is henceforth developed. David, in his last words (23:1-7), describes the millennial kingdom yet to be.

Scofield divides the book into four parts:

[1]. From the death of Saul to the anointing of David over Judah, in Hebron (1:1-27).
[2]. From the anointing in Hebron to the establishment of David over an united Israel (2:1-5:25).
[3]. From the conquest of Jerusalem to the rebellion of Absalom (6:1-14:33).
[4]. From the rebellion of Absalom to the purchase of the temple-site (15:1-24:25).

The events recorded cover a period of approximately 38 years according to Ussher's chronology.

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. DAVID LEARNS OF THE DEATH OF SAUL - (1-12)

II. DAVID ORDERS THE EXECUTION OF THE AMALEKITE - (13-16)

III. DAVID LAMENTS THE DEATHS OF SAUL AND JONATHAN - (17-27)

I. DAVID LEARNS OF THE DEATH OF SAUL - (1-12)

David returns from the slaughter of the Amalekites (1 Sam. 30:17,26), and spends a couple of days in Ziklag for rest, recuperation, and reorganization. A survivor from the Israeli Philistine conflict, finds his way to David and delivers the agonizing news of death and defeat.

The rending of the garments and the placing of dirt or earth on one's head, is symbolic of humiliation and mourning. Note (1 Sam. 4:12) The scriptures tell us that this man fell to the earth and did "obeisance" to David. The word obeisance means "an act of humiliation acknowledging another as a superior authority

The account of the Amalekite (vs. 8) does not match the account of (1 Sam. 31). Obviously the man is lying, hoping to win some kind of favor with David in the slaying of Saul. The Amalekite says, "Saul leaned upon his spear" (vs. 6), (1 Sam. 31:4) says nothing of the kind. Verse (10) also is a lie in part, compare with (31:5).

As mentioned in an earlier lesson, the Amalekites should have been wiped out according to the Lord's command in I Samuel 15, yet, Saul decided that he had a better way (1 Sam. 15:22,23). The Amalekites had been a thorn in the side of Israel since they had left Egypt, (Ex. 17:816; Deut. 25:17-19). Notice also in verse 10 that the Amalekite, as the Philistines, was there to "strip the slain" (1 Sam. 31:8,9).

David's response is not exactly what the Amalekite was expecting. Instead of rejoicing breaking out amongst the camp of David, the men rend their clothes, mourn, weep and fast (vs. 11,12).

It is interesting to see the inconsistencies of David. Here he weeps over the death of a man who has hunted him like a wild animal. Contrast this with the unjust execution of a faithful warrior named Urriah, later in this book. "People are funny'." (2 Sam. 11:15).

 

II. DAVID ORDERS THE EXECUTION OF THE AMALEKITE - (13-16)

The unexpected response of David and his men has caught the Amalekite off balance. He must know he is in "hot water," for things are not proceeding as planned. "How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?" (1 Sam. 12:3; 26:9). David was able to honestly ask this question, for he practiced what he preached (1 Sam. 24: 1-12; 26:5-12). "Thy blood be upon thy head," (Lev. 20:9; Josh. 2:19; I Ki. 2:37), the man is worthy of capital punishment, (Gen. 9:5,6).

 

III. DAVID LAMENTS THE DEATHS OF SAUL AND JONATHAN - (17-27)

Webster defines "lamentation" as "the act of lamenting or bewailing; audible expression of sorrow; wailing; lament." The actual lamentation is found in (vss. 19-27).

Verse 18 holds a couple of interesting truths we might note. First, David feels compelled to teach the children of Israel "the use of the bow." Two reasons might be found: Jonathan is on David's mind and he was a bows man, (1 Sam. 20:20-42), also David may realize the necessity of acquiring bows man's skills as a means of military defense, (1 Sam. 31:3). It might be that the bow was not commonly used amongst the Israelites until this time. Secondly, "behold it is written in the book of Jasher," this statement has led some to believe that we are missing some of the canonical books of scripture. We are compelled to note that the Holy Spirit has been very selective in his designation and inclusion of scripture, (Jn. 21:25). This can be proven in that the Holy Spirit, through Paul, quotes selectively heathen poetry in (Tit. 1:12). Paul quotes a statement of Jesus' in (Acts 20:35) that is not found in any of the gospels. Paul quotes Moses in (Heb. 12-21) and the statement cannot be found anywhere in the Old Testament. The book of Jasher ("upright") has not been selected as scripture. We must trust the Lord's providential guidance in the selection of the canonical books, (Psa. 12:7).

David goes on to bring forth a fitting eulogy for Saul and Jonathan. "How are the mighty fallen!" (vs. 25,27). The eulogy includes a brief account of the accomplishments of these two men. One of the striking marks of human nature is man's ability to forget so quickly another's offenses when he has passed away.

Rarely does a funeral or memorial service go by when the deceased is not overly praised for his or her accomplishments. "How are the mighty fallen" What about: (1 Sam. 10:21-23; 13:813; 15:10-23; 18:9-15,29; 19:1; etc.?) There is a profound truth locked away in David's gracious attitude. One never achieves success by constantly criticizing his predecessor's weaknesses and failures. David was more than gracious in his estimation of Saul. He then went on to prove himself. Our criticisms of others only bring condemnation to ourselves later when we fall or fail. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matt. 7:2)