1.The Structure of David’s Grief
17And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son, 2 Samuel 1:17 (ESV)
A lament is a formal expression of grief or distress. One that can be written, read, learned, practiced or repeated.
2. The Teaching of David’s Grief
18and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said: 2 Samuel 1:18 (ESV)
‘Bow' is the title of David's lament, named appropriately, in memory of Jonathan's weapon (v. 22) and gift (1 Sam. 18:4).
David intends the lament as part of the peoples’ motivational military training. The place of Gilboa was not the last time Israel would fight Philistines. David wanted his men to be deeply stirred and moved in their remembrance of the tragedy that occurred at Gilboa and in their remembrance of the pagan arrogance– for the next time.
3. The Irony in David’s Grief
19“Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 2 Samuel 1:19 (ESV)
The greatness that once was is no longer. We weep because of what was, but now is not.
4. The Disgrace in David’s Grief
20Tell 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. 2 Samuel 1:20 (ESV)
5. The Curse in David’s Grief (Gilboa)
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. 2 Samuel 1:21 (ESV)
David prays for Mount Gilboa to be turned into a perpetual expression of Israelite death and grief.
34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34 (ESV)
8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9 (ESV)
6. The Accolades in David’s Grief
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. 2 Samuel 1:22-24 (ESV)
7. The Emotion in David’s Grief
25“How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! “Jonathan lies slain on your high places. 26I 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!” 2 Samuel 1:25-27 (ESV)