…a young man arrived from Saul’s camp. To show his grief, he had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head. He went to David and bowed to the ground in respect.
“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and I saw that Saul was leaning on his spear and that the chariots and cavalry of the enemy were closing in on him. Then he turned around, saw me, and called to me. I answered, ‘Yes, sir!’ He asked who I was, and I told him that I was an Amalekite. Then he said, ‘Come here and kill me! I have been badly wounded, and I’m about to die.’ So I went up to him and killed him, because I knew that he would die anyway as soon as he fell. Then I took the crown from his head and the bracelet from his arm, and I have brought them to you, sir.”
One does not “happen to be” where the decisive moment in a battle takes place! This guy was clearly an opportunist and a vulture, looking to profit from the ill fortune of others. Moreover, he carefully positioned himself so as to minimize the possibility of being ill-received.
David tore his clothes in sorrow, and all his men did the same. They grieved and mourned and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan and for Israel, the people of the Lord, because so many had been killed in battle.
His men had wanted to kill Saul in the past (1 Samuel 24:4; 26:8) – the same opportunism exhibited by the young man here. Had something of David “rubbed off” on those that followed him? Am I having a positive effect on those around me?
David asked him, “How is it that you dared kill the Lord’s chosen king?”
David respected the position / authority. One has to remember that during all this time, David was in fact king of Israel but only in promise (1 Samuel 16:12-13) – much like us being children of God in promise (Romans 8:23-25). Does my attitude and behavior now truly reflect that reality to be?
“Jonathan’s bow was deadly,
the sword of Saul was merciless,
striking down the mighty, killing the enemy.”“Saul and Jonathan, so wonderful and dear;
together in life, together in death;
swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.”
I see myself as being so far from that, Lord; so far from those great men of faith like Eric Liddel (I just watched Chariots of Fire again yesterday). Please transform me.
“Women of Israel, mourn for Saul!
He clothed you in rich scarlet dresses
and adorned you with jewels and gold.”
Men conquering to give their women things who give their affection / adoration in return. Useless vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3).
When David heard that the people of Jabesh in Gilead had buried Saul, he sent some men there with the message: “May the Lord bless you for showing your loyalty to your king by burying him.And now may the Lord be kind and faithful to you. I too will treat you well because of what you have done. Be strong and brave! Saul your king is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me as their king.”
A first step in the fulfillment of what God had declared. As for us, Jesus, may it be seen that you are with us and that you have all authority (Matthew 28:18-20). Open wide the doors to your Kingdom, Father (Matthew 22:8-10)!