“It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.”
Context:This verse is part of the account of David’s reaction to the news of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths. Saul, the first king of Israel, had been pursuing David, who was anointed by God to be the future king. In the previous chapter, Saul and his sons were killed in battle against the Philistines. The man mentioned in this verse is an Amalekite who claims to have witnessed Saul’s death and seeks favor with David.
Timing and Arrival:The verse begins by stating that it happened on the third day. This refers to the time after Saul’s death, emphasizing that the news reached David relatively soon. A man, identified as an Amalekite, emerges from Saul’s camp. His clothes are torn, and he has dust or earth on his head, which were customary signs of mourning or distress in ancient times.
The Amalekite’s Actions:Upon reaching David, the Amalekite falls to the ground and pays obeisance to him. This gesture shows respect and submission, likely because David was already anointed as the future king and had earned a reputation for being a strong and righteous leader. The Amalekite’s actions indicate that he sees David as someone who can offer protection and perhaps reward for his news.
Historical and Spiritual Lessons:
- Respect for authority:The Amalekite’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of showing respect and submission to those in authority. David was anointed by God to be the future king, and the Amalekite recognized his position and paid homage to him. As believers, we are called to respect and honour those in authority, including our spiritual leaders, government officials, and employers, while obeying God’s commandments.
- Seeking Godly counsel:The arrival of the Amalekite and his news marked a critical moment for David. It presented an opportunity for him to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in how to respond to the news of Saul’s death. As we face significant events or decisions in our lives, it is essential to seek counsel from God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise and godly advice from mature believers.
- Integrity and truthfulness:The Amalekite claimed to have witnessed Saul’s death and delivered the news to David. However, we learn in the subsequent verses that his account was not entirely truthful. He falsely claimed to have ended Saul’s life at Saul’s request. This emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our words and actions. We are called to speak the truth and avoid deception, knowing that God values honesty and integrity in all areas of our lives.
- God’s sovereignty:The events unfolding in David’s life, including the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, were part of God’s larger plan for establishing David as the king of Israel. God’s sovereignty is evident throughout the Bible, and even in difficult and challenging circumstances, we can trust that God is in control and working all things together for His purposes.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 1:2 presents a pivotal moment in David’s life as he receives the news of Saul’s death from an Amalekite. This verse highlights the importance of respect for authority, seeking Godly counsel, integrity, and recognising God’s sovereignty in our lives. It reminds us of the need to submit to God’s will and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
