The Lord’s anointed
2 Samuel starts with David learning of Saul’s death through a lie. The Amalekite claimed to have killed him, but (1Sam 31:2-6) records that Saul fell on his own sword. Having heard of the animosity between Saul and David, the Amalekite likely saw Saul’s crown as an opportunity to gain reward or favour with the future king of Israel.
Society today tells us to always pursue our own success, but if it goes against God’s rule, it will be for naught. Just like how the Amalekite was executed, (Pr 19:9) warns us that a false witness will not go unpunished, so we must be cautious not to further ourselves by dishonest means.
Contrast this with David, who expressed no thought for his approaching kingship, but instead poured out his grief for Saul and all who died in battle. David understood that because God put Saul on the throne, only He could deal justice with His anointed. So when he asks the Amalekite why he was not afraid to destroy the Lord’s anointed (v14), we see his conviction not to intervene with God’s will. Like David, we should trust in God’s power, knowing He is in control and that He will fulfil His promises to us in His perfect timing.
David’s heart of love
Saul, out of spite and jealousy, took away David’s stability in life; we see the anguish he felt in Psalm 142 as he cries out to the Lord for refuge. Despite this, David still mourned, wept and fasted with his men over Saul’s death (2Sam 1:12).
His lamentation over Saul in v17-27 shows us what it truly means to love our enemies, a principle also taught by Jesus (Mt 5:44). Through this song, it shows us how David both spared Saul’s life physically, but also he did not kill Saul in his mind.
In v18 David tells the people to “teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow”. He could have used the lament to remind his tribe of the treachery he suffered, but David instead did not hold a grudge, and did not even entertain the thought of disrespecting Saul. He instead gives the former king great respect as he mourns, remembering him as ‘pleasant’ and ‘strong’ alongside his son Jonathan (v23).
It’s easy to feel resentful or even hatred when someone else has wronged us, especially if it happens repeatedly. But (1Pet 4:8) reminds us that instead, we should show love deeply towards them as love covers a multitude of sins. If we can love those who have treated us badly, it helps us forgive them and cover their transgression in our hearts so that we can be free from bitterness and stand before God with a clear conscience.
Reflection questions:
Do the things I want to do or achieve require me to compromise on God’s will? If I am progressing myself, am I doing so using honest means?
How do I choose to remember those who have wronged me? Do I love my enemies and forgive their transgressions like David did? Am I able to bless them, do good to them and pray for them, just as Jesus instructs in (Mt 5:44)?
