“Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.”
This verse is part of a lamentation or elegy spoken by David upon hearing the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death. David mourns the loss of the king and his friend, Jonathan, and expresses his grief through this poetic expression.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning:
- “Tell it not in Gath”: Gath was a significant Philistine city, and the mention of Gath in this verse suggests that David does not want the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death to reach the Philistines. David’s concern is likely rooted in the fact that Gath was the hometown of Goliath, whom David had slain. He does not want the Philistines, particularly the people of Gath, to rejoice over the death of the anointed king of Israel and his beloved friend.
- “Publish it not in the streets of Askelon”: Askelon was another Philistine city, and David implores that the news of the tragedy should not be proclaimed in its streets. David’s request emphasizes his desire for the Philistines to remain ignorant of the victory they had achieved over Israel’s leadership.
- “Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph”: Here, David expresses concern that the daughters of the Philistines, specifically those who were uncircumcised, would find joy and triumph in the death of Saul and Jonathan. David’s choice of words portrays the mourning women of Israel as being at risk of humiliation or gloating by their enemies. The term “uncircumcised” is used as a derogatory reference to the Philistines, highlighting their separation from God’s covenant with Israel.
