Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
2 Samuel
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 1
Overview:
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 from 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.