David's reaction to the death of King Saul is a profound moment in biblical history, reflecting his character, his respect for God's anointed, and his deep sense of loyalty and justice. The account of Saul's death and David's response is primarily found in 2 Samuel 1.

Context and Background

Saul, the first king of Israel, had been in relentless pursuit of David, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne. Despite Saul's attempts on his life, David consistently refused to harm Saul, recognizing him as the Lord's anointed. This respect for Saul's divine appointment is a recurring theme in David's life, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:6, where David refrains from killing Saul in the cave, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD."

The News of Saul's Death

The news of Saul's death reaches David through an Amalekite who claims to have killed Saul at Saul's own request. The Amalekite brings Saul's crown and armlet to David, expecting a reward. However, David's reaction is not one of joy or relief, but of mourning and justice.

David's Mourning

David's immediate response is one of deep sorrow. 2 Samuel 1:11-12 states, "Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." This act of tearing one's clothes is a traditional expression of grief in ancient Israel, signifying the depth of David's lamentation.

David's lament for Saul and Jonathan, known as "The Song of the Bow," is recorded in 2 Samuel 1:17-27. In this elegy, David extols the virtues of Saul and Jonathan, highlighting their bravery and the loss felt by Israel. He commands that this lament be taught to the people of Judah, ensuring that the memory of Saul and Jonathan's heroism endures.

Justice and the Amalekite

David's sense of justice is evident in his response to the Amalekite's claim of killing Saul. Despite the Amalekite's expectation of a reward, David is appalled that someone would dare to harm the Lord's anointed. In 2 Samuel 1:14-16 , David questions the Amalekite, "Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" David then orders the Amalekite's execution, declaring, "Your blood be on your own head, because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’"

David's Respect for God's Anointed

David's reaction to Saul's death underscores his unwavering respect for God's anointed leadership, a principle that guided his actions throughout his life. Despite Saul's pursuit and attempts on his life, David never wavered in his commitment to honor the position Saul held as king. This respect is rooted in David's understanding of God's sovereignty and his belief that it is God alone who appoints and removes leaders.

David's Relationship with Jonathan

David's lament also highlights his deep friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son. The bond between David and Jonathan is one of the most profound friendships depicted in the Bible. In his lament, David expresses his personal grief over Jonathan's death, saying in 2 Samuel 1:26 , "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women."

David's reaction to Saul's death is a testament to his character, his respect for God's anointed, and his deep sense of justice and loyalty. His response is marked by genuine grief, a commitment to justice, and a profound respect for the divine order established by God.