Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 1

Verses 1-27

The second Book of Samuel deals largely with the story of David, and presents the picture of the theocratic monarchy. The first movement records the progress of David to the position which God had appointed for him. While the supreme element manifest throughout this section is that of the divine progress toward accomplishment of the purpose, it is impossible to study it without being impressed with the greatness of David. Neither is it necessary to think of all the actions by which he won the favor of Israel as being dictated merely by policy. Rather they reveal the true character of the man-upright, generous, and of great heart.

At times it would appear as though he acted contrary to his merely political interests, and yet, as events moved on, they prove that there is no policy so powerful as that of integrity and abiding in the will of God.

The story of the death of Saul as told by the Amalekite was evidently a fabrication. There is no doubt he found the dead body of the king and despoiled it in the hope of winning favor with David. For this he paid the severest penalty.

The lamentation of David is full of beauty. Over Saul and Jonathan it is stately and digni6ed, and merges into extreme tenderness when he sings of his friend Jonathan only.