2 Samuel 1 - June 2, 2025

David receives news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths from an Amalekite messenger claiming to have assisted in Saul's suicide at the king's request. Rather than rewarding this admission, David executes the man for raising his hand against "the Lord's anointed." David then composes a moving lament called "The Song of the Bow," honoring both Saul and Jonathan without reference to Saul's persecution of him. His praise of Jonathan's friendship as "more wonderful than the love of women" poignantly captures their covenant bond. This chapter demonstrates David's genuine grief unmarred by political calculation, revealing a heart free from bitterness despite years of suffering under Saul—foreshadowing how Jesus would later pray for those who persecuted him rather than celebrating their downfall.