‏ 2 Samuel 1

** This book is the history of the reign of king David. It

relates his victories, the growth of the prosperity of Israel,

and his reformation of the state of religion. With these events

are recorded the grievous sins he committed, and the family as

well as public troubles with which he was punished. We here meet

with many things worthy of imitation, and many that are written

for our warning. The history of king David is given in Scripture

with much faithfulness, and from it he appears, to those who

fairly balance his many virtues and excellent qualities against

his faults, to have been a great and good man.

* Tidings brought to David of the death of Saul. (1-10) The

Amalekite is put to death. (11-16) David's lamentation for Saul

and Jonathan. (17-27)

1-10 The blow which opened David's way to the throne was given

about the time he had been sorely distressed. Those who commit

their concerns to the Lord, will quietly abide his will. It

shows that he desired not Saul's death, and he was not impatient

to come to the throne. 11-16 David was sincere in his mourning for Saul; and all with

him humbled themselves under the hand of God, laid so heavily

upon Israel by this defeat. The man who brought the tidings,

David put to death, as a murderer of his prince. David herein

did not do unjustly; the Amalekite confessed the crime. If he

did as he said, he deserved to die for treason; and his lying to

David, if indeed it were a lie, proved, as sooner or later that

sin will prove, lying against himself. Hereby David showed

himself zealous for public justice, without regard to his own

private interest. 17-27 Kasheth, or "the bow," probably was the title of this

mournful, funeral song. David does not commend Saul for what he

was not; and says nothing of his piety or goodness. Jonathan was

a dutiful son, Saul an affectionate father, therefore dear to

each other. David had reason to say, that Jonathan's love to him

was wonderful. Next to the love between Christ and his people,

that affection which springs form it, produces the strongest

friendship. The trouble of the Lord's people, and triumphs of

his enemies, will always grieve true believers, whatever

advantages they may obtain by them.