August 9 – 2 Samuel 1:17-27

August 9 – 2 Samuel 1:17-27

 

17  And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son,  18  and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said: 19  “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20  Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. 21  “You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor fields of offerings! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil. 22  “From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. 23  “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions. 24  “You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.

25  “How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! “Jonathan lies slain on your high places. 26    I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. 27  “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”

 

 

Here we see David lamenting over the death of Saul and his sons and expressing his grief through a poem.  Even though Saul sought to kill David for years, David understood that as the appointed King, God had anointed Saul.  Sometimes it’s difficult for us to understand how those in authority, whether it is politicians, our bosses, or even our parents, are to be honored. 

 

Have you ever found yourself in a situation were authority/leadership is clearly not aligned with God?   Did you honor their authority?  Have you had to disobey those in authority when their demands conflict with God’s? Reflect on those situations and ponder how God brought you through the situation.  If you’re currently in a similar situation to those mentioned, fervently seek God’s guidance as well as sound Christian counsel.