2 Samuel 1:20

Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.

Study Bible

Do not tell it in Gath
The phrase "Do not tell it in Gath" reflects David's deep concern for the reputation and morale of Israel. Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities, and it was known for its military strength and as the hometown of Goliath. The Hebrew root for "tell" (נָגַד, nagad) implies making something known or conspicuous. David's plea is to prevent the Philistines from gloating over Israel's loss, which would bring shame upon God's people. Historically, Gath was a symbol of Philistine power, and David's directive underscores the importance of protecting Israel's dignity in the face of their enemies.

do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon
Ashkelon, another principal city of the Philistines, was a coastal city known for its trade and wealth. The word "proclaim" (בָּשַׂר, basar) in Hebrew can mean to announce or bring news, often with a sense of joy or triumph. David's instruction not to proclaim the news in Ashkelon highlights his desire to prevent the Philistines from celebrating Israel's defeat. The streets of Ashkelon would have been bustling with activity, making it a prime location for spreading news. By mentioning Ashkelon, David emphasizes the need to avoid giving the enemy any cause for celebration.

lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice
The "daughters of the Philistines" symbolize the broader Philistine community, particularly the women who would traditionally celebrate military victories with songs and dances. The Hebrew word for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) conveys a sense of gladness and exultation. David's concern is that the Philistines would find joy in Israel's misfortune, which would further demoralize the Israelites. This phrase reflects the cultural practices of the time, where women played a significant role in celebrating victories, thus amplifying the shame of defeat.

lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult
The term "uncircumcised" is used here to denote those outside the covenant community of Israel. It is a term that highlights the spiritual and cultural divide between the Israelites and the Philistines. The word "exult" (עָלַז, alaz) in Hebrew suggests a jubilant, triumphant celebration. By using this term, David underscores the potential for the Philistines to revel in Israel's loss, which would be a dishonor to the God of Israel. This phrase serves as a reminder of the covenantal identity of Israel and the importance of maintaining their distinctiveness from surrounding nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, who mourns the death of Saul and Jonathan and composes a lament.

2. Gath
A Philistine city, one of the five major cities of the Philistines, known for its military strength.

3. Ashkelon
Another major Philistine city, often associated with pagan worship and hostility towards Israel.

4. Philistines
A perennial enemy of Israel, known for their conflicts with the Israelites throughout the Old Testament.

5. Daughters of the Philistines
Symbolic of the Philistine people, representing their potential joy over Israel's misfortune.

Teaching Points

Guarding Against Enemy Rejoicing
David's instruction not to tell of Israel's defeat in Philistine cities highlights the importance of not giving the enemy cause to celebrate. In our lives, we should be cautious about sharing our struggles in ways that might bring joy to those who oppose us.

The Power of Lament
David's lamentation is a powerful expression of grief and respect for Saul and Jonathan. It teaches us the value of expressing sorrow and honoring those who have passed, even amidst conflict.

Unity in Adversity
Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David's lament shows a deep respect for the anointed king of Israel. This teaches us to maintain respect and unity, even with those we may have conflicts with, especially within the body of Christ.

Cultural Sensitivity
David's awareness of the cultural implications of Israel's defeat reminds us to be sensitive to how our actions and words are perceived by others, particularly those outside the faith.

The Role of Leadership
David's response to Saul's death demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide their people through times of national or communal grief, setting an example of integrity and respect.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's reaction to Saul's death challenge our understanding of forgiveness and respect for authority, even when wronged?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of not giving our enemies cause to rejoice in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. How does the lament in 2 Samuel 1:20 reflect the broader biblical theme of mourning and lamentation, and how can this be applied in our worship and prayer life?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's leadership in handling the news of Saul's death, and how can these lessons be applied in our roles within our communities or churches?

5. How does the cultural context of the Philistines and Israelites enhance our understanding of the significance of David's lament, and what modern parallels can we draw from this?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 31
Describes the death of Saul and Jonathan, providing context for David's lament in 2 Samuel 1.

Psalm 137
Reflects a similar sentiment of not wanting enemies to rejoice over Israel's downfall.

Judges 16
The account of Samson and Delilah, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines.

Micah 1:10
Uses similar language about not announcing misfortune in enemy territory, showing a thematic consistency in Scripture.