An Amalekite brings news to David at Ziklag, claiming he killed the wounded Saul at his request on Mount Gilboa and presenting Saul's crown and armlet. David and his men tear their clothes, weep, and fast; David then has the messenger executed for not fearing to destroy the LORD's anointed. David composes a lament for Saul and Jonathan—'How the mighty have fallen!'—honoring Saul's gifts to Israel's daughters, mourning Jonathan whose love surpassed that of women, and commanding the song be taught to Judah.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 1 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
David
King of Israel whose reign is chronicled with both triumphs and failures
Bathsheba
Woman with whom David committed adultery, later mother of Solomon
Nathan
Prophet who confronted David about his sin and delivered God's covenant
Absalom
David's son who rebelled and tried to take the throne
Joab
David's military commander, loyal but sometimes ruthless
Places in This Chapter
Position in Book
David's Rise to PowerChapters 1-5
David mourns Saul and Jonathan, reigns in Hebron, becomes king over all Israel, captures Jerusalem.
David's TriumphsChapters 6-10
David's Sin and ConsequencesChapters 11-20
EpilogueChapters 21-24