2 Samuel 1:15 kjv

And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.

2 Samuel 1:15 nkjv

Then David called one of the young men and said, "Go near, and execute him!" And he struck him so that he died.

2 Samuel 1:15 niv

Then David called one of his men and said, "Go, strike him down!" So he struck him down, and he died.

2 Samuel 1:15 esv

Then David called one of the young men and said, "Go, execute him." And he struck him down so that he died.

2 Samuel 1:15 nlt

Then David said to one of his men, "Kill him!" So the man thrust his sword into the Amalekite and killed him.

2 Samuel 1 verses

2 Samuel 1 15 Meaning

This verse describes David's immediate response to the Amalekite who claimed responsibility for Saul's death. David swiftly issues a command for the young man's execution, stating, "Go and strike him down," which is promptly carried out, leading to the Amalekite's death. This action demonstrates David's unwavering reverence for God's anointed king and his swift administration of justice against one who claimed to have laid hands on him, highlighting the profound sanctity of the king's life, even in defeat.

2 Samuel 1 15 Context

This verse is part of the aftermath of Israel's crushing defeat by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, resulting in the deaths of King Saul and his three sons. Following this devastating news, an Amalekite soldier, claiming to have delivered the final blow to Saul (at Saul's request) and taking Saul's crown and armband as proof, arrives to inform David, expecting a reward. Verse 15 details David's unexpected and swift judgment upon this messenger. David's actions in this verse, immediately following a period of intense grief and mourning for Saul and the fallen army, are critical. They establish his profound respect for the "Lord's anointed," even one who had pursued him, and underscore his commitment to righteous judgment as he steps towards the throne. Historically, Saul was divinely appointed, and to shed his blood, even in what might appear as an act of mercy to some, was considered a heinous act against God's direct sovereign choice. David's response also highlights the long-standing divine animosity toward the Amalekites, connecting this individual's action to his nation's historical sin.

Word Analysis

• Then David called (וַיִּקְרָא דָּוִד, vayyiqra David): Indicates an immediate and decisive action. David takes the initiative, demonstrating leadership and authority. The act of calling is a summoning for instruction.
• one of the young men (אֶחָד מֵהַנְּעָרִים, echad mehane'arim):
  • אֶחָד (echad): "one," emphasizes the selection of a single individual for this task, possibly an attendant or a guard.
  • נְעָרִים (ne'arim): "young men," typically refers to male servants, soldiers, or young attendants. These individuals were under David's direct command and loyalty. Their readiness to obey indicates David's established authority and the gravity of the command.
• and said (וַיֹּאמֶר, vayyomer): Introduces David's direct command.
• Go (לֵךְ, lekh): A strong imperative, demanding immediate movement and action. It conveys urgency and non-negotiable instruction.
• and strike him down (הַךְ אֹתוֹ, hak oto):
  • הַךְ (hak): A verb from the root נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike," "to smite," "to hit," but often carries the stronger sense of "to kill" in this context. It implies a violent and lethal blow.
  • אֹתוֹ (oto): "him," referring directly to the Amalekite who confessed to killing Saul.
  • This phrase is a clear command for execution. It's direct, blunt, and leaves no room for doubt about David's intent.
• So he struck him down (וַיַּכֵּהוּ, vayyakkehu): The same root, נָכָה (nakah), emphasizing the immediate execution of the command. The vav consecutive prefix ("so he...") indicates the swift fulfillment of David's instruction. The young man's obedience highlights the unquestioning loyalty required in military command and execution of justice.
• and he died (וַיָּמֹת, vayyamot): The finality of the action. The root מוּת (mut) means "to die." This concluding phrase underscores the ultimate consequence of the Amalekite's actions and David's judgment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then David called one of the young men and said,": This opening establishes David's regal authority and his immediate action as the de facto leader and administrator of justice. He doesn't deliberate or consult; he acts decisively.
• "'Go and strike him down.'": This direct command reveals David's immediate condemnation of the Amalekite's act. The severity of the punishment reflects the immense gravity David ascribed to laying hands on the "Lord's anointed." It implies that such an act warranted an instant, decisive judgment.
• "So he struck him down, and he died.": This concise narration of the execution highlights the unquestioning obedience of David's subordinate and the swift, irrevocable nature of the judgment. It confirms that the command was not mere words but was executed precisely and immediately. The brevity conveys the finality and inevitability of the punishment.

2 Samuel 1 15 Commentary

David's action in 2 Samuel 1:15 is a pivotal moment, deeply rooted in the theology of divine kingship in ancient Israel. By immediately executing the Amalekite, David unequivocally distanced himself from any complicity in Saul's death, countering the Amalekite's expectation of reward. His primary motivation was not personal revenge for past persecution but an absolute reverence for Saul as "the Lord's anointed" (Messiah/Christ). To David, touching the king, God's chosen vessel, was tantamount to touching God Himself (compare 1 Sam 24:6, 26:9-11). This demonstrated that David understood his authority, not as arising from the death of Saul, but from God, and therefore, he had to uphold divine law and reverence for God's institutions. The Amalekite's presumptuous claim, seeking to capitalize on a forbidden act, was met with ultimate justice. Furthermore, the fact that the executor was an Amalekite adds layers to the theological implication, reminding the audience of God's standing judgment against this enemy nation (Exo 17:16; 1 Sam 15:2). David's act solidified his legitimacy and suitability to ascend the throne—not through seizing power but by demonstrating profound faithfulness to God's order. It was a clear declaration that under David's reign, the sanctity of God's appointed leadership would be upheld.

Bonus Section

The account here introduces an intriguing discrepancy with the previous chapter, 1 Samuel 31, which portrays Saul as dying by his own sword after being mortally wounded by the Philistines. The Amalekite's claim in 2 Samuel 1, stating he finished off Saul, serves as a test of David's character. David's response confirms his deep moral integrity and his consistent refusal to harm the Lord's anointed. Whether the Amalekite truly killed Saul or fabricated parts of his story for perceived gain, his confession alone was sufficient for David's judgment. David holds him accountable for his own testimony that he "killed the Lord's anointed" (2 Sam 1:16). This act by David wasn't just punishment for an alleged regicide; it was a powerful theological and political statement affirming his devotion to God's authority and establishing his reign as one based on righteousness and the fear of God, rather than political opportunism or vengeance. David's profound sorrow and lament for Saul, immediately following this judgment (2 Sam 1:11-12, 17-27), further underscores that his actions were rooted in upholding divine justice, not personal animosity or joy over Saul's demise.