2 Samuel 1:5

Then David asked the young man who had brought him the report, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"

Study Bible

Then David asked
The phrase "Then David asked" indicates a moment of inquiry and discernment. David, known for his heart after God, often sought understanding and wisdom before acting. The Hebrew root for "asked" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which implies a seeking or inquiring with intent. This reflects David's leadership style, characterized by seeking truth and clarity, especially in moments of crisis or uncertainty.

the young man
The "young man" here is the Amalekite who brought news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. In the ancient Near Eastern context, messengers often played crucial roles in communication, especially in times of war. The Hebrew term "נַעַר" (na'ar) can refer to a young man or servant, highlighting the youth and perhaps the inexperience of the messenger. This detail sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, where the reliability of the messenger's report is in question.

who had brought him the report
The act of bringing a report was significant in biblical times, as it was the primary means of conveying news across distances. The Hebrew word for "report" is "בְּשׂוֹרָה" (besorah), which can mean news or tidings. This word is often associated with both good and bad news, emphasizing the weight and impact of the message being delivered. In this context, the report is grave, concerning the death of Israel's king and his son.

How do you know
David's question, "How do you know," underscores his need for verification and truth. The Hebrew phrase "אֵיךְ יָדַעְתָּ" (eich yada'ta) suggests a probing for evidence or confirmation. This reflects a biblical principle of seeking truth and not accepting claims without substantiation, a practice that aligns with the wisdom literature's emphasis on discernment and understanding.

that Saul and Jonathan are dead?
The mention of "Saul and Jonathan" together highlights the close relationship between the two, despite Saul's troubled reign and his complex relationship with David. Jonathan, David's beloved friend, and Saul, the anointed king, represent significant figures in David's life. The Hebrew word for "dead" is "מֵת" (met), a stark term that conveys the finality and gravity of death. This moment marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history, as the death of Saul and Jonathan paves the way for David's eventual rise to kingship, fulfilling God's promise to him. The historical and scriptural context here is rich with themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the unfolding of God's plan for Israel through David's lineage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The anointed king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a central figure in the history of Israel. At this point, he is mourning the loss of Saul and Jonathan.

2. The Young Man
An Amalekite who brings news of Saul and Jonathan's death to David, claiming to have killed Saul himself.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, whose reign ended in tragedy. His complex relationship with David is marked by jealousy and conflict.

4. Jonathan
Saul's son and David's close friend, known for his loyalty and covenant friendship with David.

5. Mount Gilboa
The location where Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines, marking a significant turning point in Israel's history.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Truthfulness
The young man's report raises questions about his honesty. This reminds us of the importance of truthfulness in our own lives and the consequences of deceit.

Grieving with Hope
David's response to the news of Saul and Jonathan's death shows a balance of grief and hope. As Christians, we are called to mourn with hope, trusting in God's sovereignty.

Respect for Authority
Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David still respects Saul as God's anointed. This teaches us to respect those in authority, even when they are flawed.

The Value of Godly Friendships
Jonathan's relationship with David exemplifies the strength and support found in godly friendships. We should seek and nurture such relationships in our lives.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transitions
The transition from Saul to David as king illustrates God's control over leadership changes. We can trust God during times of transition in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the young man's report to David challenge us to consider the importance of truthfulness in our own communication?

2. In what ways can we find hope in God during times of grief, as David did upon hearing of Saul and Jonathan's death?

3. How can David's respect for Saul, despite their troubled relationship, inform our attitude towards authority figures in our lives?

4. What characteristics of Jonathan and David's friendship can we apply to our own relationships to make them more godly and supportive?

5. How does the transition of leadership from Saul to David encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty during changes in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 31
Provides the account of Saul's death, offering context to the report brought to David.

1 Samuel 18-20
Details the deep friendship and covenant between David and Jonathan, highlighting the personal loss David feels.

2 Samuel 1:17-27
David's lament for Saul and Jonathan, expressing his grief and respect for them despite past conflicts.