David mourns for Saul

David finds out about Saul's death

1Saul was dead.

Meanwhile, David had defeated the Amalekites and returned to Ziklag. 2Three days later, a soldier came from Saul's army. His clothes were torn, and earth was on his head.1.2 His clothes…his head: People tore their clothes and put earth on their heads to show they were sad because someone had died. He went to David and knelt down in front of him.

3David asked, “Where did you come from?”

The man answered, “From Israel's army. I barely escaped with my life.”

4“Who won the battle?” David asked.

The man said, “Our army turned and ran, but many were wounded and died. Even King Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.”

5David asked, “How do you know Saul and Jonathan are dead?”

6The young man replied:1.6-10: 1 S 31.1-6; 1 Ch 10.1-6.

I was on Mount Gilboa and saw King Saul leaning on his spear. The enemy's war chariots and cavalry were closing in on him. 7When he turned round and saw me, he called me over. I went and asked what he wanted.

8Saul asked me, “Who are you?”

“An Amalekite,” I answered.

9Then he said, “Kill me! I'm dying, and I'm in terrible pain.”1.9 in terrible pain: Or “very weak”.

10So I killed him. I knew he was too badly wounded to live much longer. Then I took his crown and his arm-band, and I brought them to you, Your Majesty. Here they are.

11Straight away, David and his soldiers tore their clothes in sorrow. 12They cried all day long and would not eat anything. Everyone was sad because Saul, his son Jonathan, and many of the LORD's people had been killed in the battle.

13David asked the young man, “Where is your home?”

The man replied, “My father is an Amalekite, but we live in Israel.”

14-16David said to him, “Why weren't you afraid to kill the LORD's chosen king? And you even told what you did. It's your own fault that you're going to die!”

Then David told one of his soldiers, “Come here and kill this man!”

David sings in memory of Saul

17David sang a song in memory of Saul and Jonathan, 18and he ordered his men to teach the song to everyone in Judah. He called it “The Song of the Bow”, and it can be found in The Book of Jashar.1.18 The Book of Jashar: This book may have been a collection of ancient war songs. This is the song:1.18: Js 10.13.

19Israel, your famous hero

lies dead on the hills,

and your mighty warriors

have fallen!

20Don't tell it in Gath

or spread the news

in the streets of Ashkelon.

The godless Philistine women

will be happy

and jump for joy.

21Don't let dew or rain fall

on the hills of Gilboa.

Don't let its fields

grow offerings for God.

There the warriors' shields

were smeared with mud,

and Saul's own shield

was left unpolished.1.21 unpolished: Some shields were made of leather and were polished with olive oil.

22The arrows of Jonathan struck,

and warriors died.

The sword of Saul cut

the enemy apart.

23It was easy to love Saul

and Jonathan.

Together in life,

together in death,

they were faster than eagles

and stronger than lions.

24Women of Israel, cry for Saul.

He brought you fine red cloth

and jewellery made of gold.

25Our warriors have fallen

in the heat of battle,

and Jonathan lies dead

on the hills of Gilboa.

26Jonathan, I miss you most!

I loved you

like a brother.

You were truly loyal to me,

more faithful than a wife

to her husband.1.26 You…husband: Or “You loved me more than a wife could possibly love her husband.”

27Our warriors have fallen,

and their weapons1.27 weapons: This may refer to Saul and Jonathan.

are destroyed.