2 Samuel 1:17-27

How would you mourn the death of your persecutor?

Perceive: Having received Saul’s crown and royal bracelet and finishing a time of prayer and fasting, David writes a psalm of lamentation. The reality of the royal family’s demise and the loss of his closest friend fuels a moving, heartfelt expression of his grief which he writes and orders sung. The dirge contains four sections: he localizes the triumph and hopes its news is limited (19-20) and he pays tribute to Saul and Jonathan’s warrior victories (21-22).  He speaks of the blessings they brought to Israel (23-24), he expresses his grief and deep love for Jonathan (25-26), and he closes with the way it begins, “How have the mighty fallen,” (27). This dirge was recorded in the book of Jashar (Joshua 10:13), which is believed to be a record of early Israeli heroic exploits. With this expression of his grief, David’s time as an outlaw ends and the doors for a new phase open.

Practice:  Saul caused David a lot of pain and grief, but after he dies on the battlefield David wrote down a lament for the king and his best friend. By the world’s standards, he had every right to hate Saul and speak despairingly about his character and competence. Instead, he chooses to focus on the good things about Saul not the bad. It is a sign of courage when we lay aside hatred and hurt and view the positive attributes of another person, especially an enemy.

​Pray: Father in heaven, Your enemies, abound on this earth. Help me to see the positive aspects of those in my life who are not of Your kingdom. 

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

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