For David, it’s personal. Despite Saul’s sin against David in the past, hounding and even trying to kill him, David honoured King Saul, the Lord’s anointed. When others might have called their dead enemy weak or insecure, through unforgiveness and bitterness, instead David sang that Saul was ‘mighty’ and ‘Israel’s glory’ (v 19, ESV). When some of us would have perhaps only grudgingly acknowledged Saul, David wanted the news of his death not to be known and celebrated by gloating enemies (v 20). What is David doing? He is honouring Saul, the man the Lord chose before him. What steps could you take to better honour the people around you? Is this an idea that’s ever occurred to you? How might you put it into practice?

David’s lament becomes even more personal about Jonathan, a man he loved as a brother, who supported and strengthened him like no one else had done in his entire life (v 26). We get the sense that David’s holding nothing back in this song characterised by a devastating experience of loss. Have you ever ‘put on a brave face’ or tried to deny the pain of loss? That’s not the example we see in David the king, or in Jesus the King of kings.

Lord God, show me your ways, but also show me where I have wandered from them. Where I have sought my will over yours, before you, today, I bow down.

The elimination of the army and the death of Saul were a tragedy for Israel.¹ This was a house divided, though it had formerly stood united before God, and it now faced the inevitable consequences. Israel’s glory lies slain on the heights – in full view of its enemies. The mighty have fallen (v 27) – they were brave Israelites (the bow and sword did not neglect their duty, v 22), in spite of their shortcomings. Many in Israel may have questioned David’s grief over Saul’s demise, but David’s elegy honours both the anointed Saul and Jonathan, whom he dearly loved. Later, David himself would find the temptations of kingship difficult to resist! 

Today, we are called to be Jesus’ ambassadors, inevitably facing times of difficulty and frustration yet commanded to love and pray for those who persecute us.² At times, we will feel alone or weakened, but God doesn’t call us alone: rather, within a community, to walk in a Christlike way together. He calls and anoints us for his purposes, even when we don’t understand. Initially, Saul the prophet had, like David, sought after God’s heart. Sadly, his flesh consumed him, yet David and Jonathan had continued to pursue God’s battle to restore unity. We all need to respect those who may not hold our opinions, yet still follow the Lord – this brings unity to his body.

The song in these verses calls for respectful honour: let the mountains mourn, let the earth and its people weep, for these men of God are dead. David’s heartache is real (v 26), as must God’s be. He chose Saul, he has chosen David, but ultimately, he can anoint whosoever he chooses, for it is not victory over lands or wealth he desires but peace and unity.

Saul and the Amalekite desired self-elevation. In David and Jonathan, we see a difference: love, one-mindedness and loyalty for each other and God. 
Who are we like?

¹ M Evans, NIBC 1 & 2 Samuel, Hendrickson, 2000, p142  ² Matt 5:12,44