2 Samuel 1

V 1–12: SADNESS An Amalekite, possibly someone looking for plunder from dead bodies after the battle, tells David the bad news of the death of Saul and Jonathan. He dishonestly tells David that, at Saul’s request, he killed Saul after Saul was wounded. Perhaps he hopes that David will be pleased that he killed someone who opposed him so vigorously. He presents Saul’s crown and bracelet to David. David mourns, weeps and fasts because of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. V 13–16: SEVERITY David orders the execution of the Amalekite for confessing to killing the ‘Lord’s anointed’. His lie, intended to ingratiate, costs him his life. V 17–27: SONG David sings a song of lament over Saul and Jonathan called ‘The Song of the Bow’. The title may be based on verse 22 where the bow of Jonathan is referred to, recalling when Jonathan shot the arrows to warn David of Saul’s wrath. We see here the principle that one can have tremendous affection for one’s enemy as well as genuine grief at the loss of one’s best friend. Jonathan was a real soul-mate to David. His loyalty and friendship surpassed the love of women. Some have slurred the reputation of David and Jonathan. However a deep, mutually supportive masculine relationship in no way implies homosexuality, especially when the underlying basis is godly fellowship. There really is such a blessed thing as true friendship.