Chapter Summary

David mourns the death of Saul and Jonathan.

Discussion Questions for 2 Samuel, Chapter 1

1. What is the significance of an Amalekite bringing news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths to David in 2 Samuel 1:1-10? Who were the Amalekites?
2. If Saul wasconstantly trying to kill David, why does David mourn the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in verses 11-12? What does this reveal about his character?
3. Reflect on the Amalekite's claim of killing Saul in verses 13-16. How does David respond to this claim? What can we learn from his reaction? How do you think the Amalikete expected David to respond?
4. 2 Samuel 1 and 1 Samuel 31 seem to contradict one another. What actually happened? How do you know? How should we resond when we come across seeminly contradictory messages in the Bible?
5. Reflect on the repeated phrase "How the mighty have fallen" throughout the Song of the Bow (verses 19-27). What does this phrase signify in the context of Saul and Jonathan's deaths? If David knew that Saul was generally a coward, why does David call him mighty?
6. How does the Song of the Bow (verses 19-27) show honor to Jonathan and Saul? Why does David write this song for them even though Saul was trying to kill him? How does this give us a framework for how we should honor our enemies?
7. Verse 26 states, "I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother.You were such a friend to me. Your love for me was more wondrous than the love of women" (CSB). Some interpreters say that this verse, among others, can lead us to believe that David and Jonthan had a homosexual relationship. Is this true? Why or why not?
8. How does the account of Saul's death and David's response set the stage for David's reign as king? Would you have reacted the same way? Why or why not?
9. David's first act as king was mourning over the unworthy, murderous king Saul. How can we ensure that we give the same kind of grace to those that came before us, even though they might have been very flawed people like Saul?
10. How does this chapter, especially 2 Samuel 1:17-27, set the stage for David’s future as king? What qualities or actions demonstrate his readiness for leadership despite his personal grief?

Key Words/Phrase

Mourned, vv. 12, 17.

Characters

God, David, Saul, Jonathan, an Amalekite.

Strong Verse(s)

26, 27.