2 Samuel 1:17 kjv

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

2 Samuel 1:17 nkjv

Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son,

2 Samuel 1:17 niv

David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan,

2 Samuel 1:17 esv

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son,

2 Samuel 1:17 nlt

Then David composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan,

2 Samuel 1 verses

2 Samuel 1 17 Meaning

This verse states that David expressed profound grief by composing and performing a specific type of funeral dirge, known as a lamentation, upon learning of the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan. It highlights David's deep sorrow and his solemn acknowledgement of their passing, immediately setting the tone for the formal elegy that follows.

2 Samuel 1 17 Context

This verse appears at a critical juncture in the biblical narrative. Immediately prior, David has received the shocking news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths in battle with the Philistines from an Amalekite messenger who falsely claimed to have dealt Saul the final blow (2 Sam 1:1-10). David, heartbroken, ordered the Amalekite executed for raising his hand against the Lord's anointed king (2 Sam 1:11-16). Against this backdrop of swift justice and profound sorrow, 2 Samuel 1:17 marks David's immediate and formalized response of public mourning. This act is pivotal, as it signals the end of Saul's reign, the legitimate transfer of kingship, and firmly establishes David's character not as a rival rejoicing in a foe's demise, but as a sincere mourner and loyal covenant-keeper, even towards one who relentlessly sought his life.

2 Samuel 1 17 Word analysis

• And David (וַיְקֹנֵן דָּוִד - vayeqonēn Dawid): The Hebrew "and" serves as a conjunction that signals the immediate action following the previous events. This phrase identifies the central figure taking this specific action, emphasizing David's role as the composer and performer of the lamentation. It positions him not as an antagonist but as a figure of deep feeling and respect.
• lamented (וַיְקֹנֵן - vayeqonēn): This is from the Hebrew verb קוּן (qūn), meaning "to chant a funeral dirge," "to wail," or "to lament." It indicates a specific, often formal and public, expression of deep sorrow through mournful singing or poetic recitation. This is not mere weeping, but a structured act of mourning, common in the ancient Near East and a distinct literary genre in the Bible.
• with this lamentation (הַקִּינָה הַזֹּאת - haqqînâ hazzōʾt): The definite article "the" and the demonstrative "this" emphatically point to the very poem that immediately follows in 2 Samuel 1:19-27, often called "The Song of the Bow." It highlights that David's grief was articulated through a formal, premeditated, and divinely inspired poetic composition. Its public nature also serves to establish his stance on Saul's death.
• over Saul (עַל־שָׁאוּל - ʿal-Šāʾûl): "Over" here signifies the object or recipient of the lament. Despite years of persecution and attempted murder by Saul, David expresses genuine mourning for him. This act demonstrates David's unique character, his magnanimity, and his unwavering respect for God's anointed king (even a flawed one), acknowledging Saul's God-given authority rather than celebrating his demise.
• and over Jonathan his son (וְעַל־יְהוֹנָתָן בְּנוֹ - wəʿal-yəhônātān bənô): This adds Jonathan, Saul's beloved son, as a primary object of David's sorrow. The grief for Jonathan is deeply personal, stemming from their covenantal friendship—a bond explicitly described in the Books of Samuel as love "passing the love of women" (2 Sam 1:26). Jonathan's death represents the loss of a soul-mate and faithful ally.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "And David lamented with this lamentation": This phrase introduces a formal, public act of mourning performed by David himself. It signals his leadership and spiritual sensitivity, portraying him as a figure who grieves profound losses not merely emotionally, but through a structured, poetic expression, embodying an appropriate national and personal response to the tragedy.
  • "over Saul and over Jonathan his son": This grouping precisely defines the dual focus of David's grief. It highlights the political and theological significance of mourning the fallen, God-anointed king, even a hostile one, alongside the deeply personal and covenantal sorrow for his loyal friend. This demonstrates the breadth of David's compassion and integrity.

2 Samuel 1 17 Bonus section

The "lamentation" (Hebrew: qînâ) in 2 Samuel 1:17 refers to a specific poetic form known for its distinct rhythm, often a 3+2 beat (three stressed syllables followed by two), which creates a mournful, halting cadence suitable for expressing grief. This meter, though not exclusive to laments, is highly characteristic of them in biblical poetry. David's spontaneous yet structured elegy (the "Song of the Bow") is recognized as one of the finest examples of Hebrew poetry. Its public performance was not only an expression of personal and national grief but also a politically astute move. By lamenting both Saul and Jonathan so movingly, David disarmed any accusations that he rejoiced in Saul's death or had contributed to it, demonstrating his legitimacy and respect for God's chosen authority, while also celebrating his personal bond with Jonathan. This portrayal of David as a leader who mourned his rivals was unusual for the time, highlighting his unique piety and vision for a unified Israel.

2 Samuel 1 17 Commentary

Second Samuel 1:17 encapsulates David's righteous and profound response to the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Rather than celebrating the demise of his adversary, David is moved to genuine lament, showcasing his character as a man after God's own heart. His act of lamenting for Saul reinforces his consistent respect for "the Lord's anointed," even when Saul had pursued him relentlessly. This behavior sets David apart from typical ancient Near Eastern rulers who would likely exploit such an opportunity to consolidate power without a show of respect for the predecessor. For Jonathan, David's sorrow is a testament to the profound covenantal love and loyalty between them, fulfilling the promises they made to each other. The composition of this specific lamentation, "The Song of the Bow," not only serves as an emotional outpouring but also as a public declaration of David's integrity and a foundational statement of unity and respect that would serve him well as he ascended to the throne of Israel. This moment defines David as a leader who grieves sincerely, respects divine authority, and values true friendship above all.