2 Samuel 1:24 kjv

Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

2 Samuel 1:24 nkjv

"O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, Who clothed you in scarlet, with luxury; Who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.

2 Samuel 1:24 niv

"Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.

2 Samuel 1:24 esv

"You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.

2 Samuel 1:24 nlt

O women of Israel, weep for Saul,
for he dressed you in luxurious scarlet clothing,
in garments decorated with gold.

2 Samuel 1 verses

2 Samuel 1 24 Meaning

The verse is part of David's lament, "The Song of the Bow," mourning the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan. Here, David calls upon the women of Israel to weep for Saul, highlighting that he was instrumental in their prosperity. He provided them with rich scarlet clothing, luxurious finery, and valuable golden ornaments for their garments, symbolizing a period of national well-being and abundance under his rule.

2 Samuel 1 24 Context

This verse is an integral part of "The Song of the Bow" (2 Samuel 1:17-27), a deeply emotional elegy composed and delivered by David upon receiving news of the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan at the Battle of Gilboa. David had previously been anointed king by Samuel, and Saul, filled with jealousy, had relentlessly pursued him. Despite this long-standing conflict, David's lament is magnanimous, choosing to honor Saul, emphasizing his virtues and contributions rather than his flaws or their personal antagonism. This particular verse addresses the women of Israel, portraying Saul not merely as a failed king, but as a benefactor who brought a period of prosperity and material well-being, evidenced by their ability to afford expensive attire and ornaments. Historically, Saul's early reign involved significant military successes against the Philistines and other enemies, which would have contributed to national stability and economic flourishing. David's lament strategically frames Saul's reign in a positive light, helping to unify a potentially fractured nation and legitimize his own succession by showing respect for the former king.

2 Samuel 1 24 Word analysis

• Ye daughters of Israel (בְּנוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל, b'not Yisra'el): This is a direct address, specifically to the women of the nation. Women were often at the forefront of public mourning and lamentation in ancient Israelite culture. It also broadens the lament from the elite or army to the general populace, implying that Saul's positive impact reached ordinary citizens.
• weep (בְּכֶינָה, bekhayna): A strong imperative for mourning, signifying deep sorrow, wailing, and shedding tears. It suggests a call to communal grief, underscoring the severity of the national loss.
• over Saul (עַל שָׁאוּל, 'al Sha'ul): Saul, despite his tragic end and his enmity toward David, is here portrayed as worthy of mourning. This highlights David's magnanimity and focuses on Saul's role as king and provider rather than his personal shortcomings.
• who clothed you (הַמַּלְבִּישׁ, hamalbish): Literally "the one who was clothing you." This emphasizes Saul's consistent action of providing, linking the national prosperity directly to his reign.
• in scarlet (שָׁנִי, shani): Scarlet was a very costly and vibrant dye, difficult to produce. It symbolized wealth, luxury, and often royalty or high status (Proverbs 31:21). Its presence suggests that during Saul's rule, even women had access to high-quality, expensive garments, indicating a period of significant material prosperity for the nation.
• with other delights (עֲדָנִים, adaním): This Hebrew term means "pleasant things" or "luxuries." While KJV renders it as "other delights," many modern translations interpret it as "luxurious clothing" or "finery," implying that Saul provided not just basic garments, but opulent ones that brought pleasure and enhanced appearance.
• who put ornaments of gold (וְעַדִי זָהָב יַעֲלֶה, v'adi zahav ya'aleh): "Ornaments" (adi) refers to jewelry, adornments. "Gold" (zahav) denotes great value and wealth. This further underscores the high level of prosperity and luxury available to the women during Saul's time, as gold adornments were marks of significant affluence.
• upon your apparel (עַל לְבוּשֵׁךְ, 'al l'vushékh): Specifies that these gold ornaments were integrated into or worn upon their garments, signifying complete attire of luxury and status.

• "Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul": This phrase directly appeals to the women of Israel to collectively mourn Saul. It transforms a personal tragedy into a national lament, highlighting Saul's broad impact beyond military and political circles, directly touching the well-being and material status of the common people.
• "who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put ornaments of gold upon your apparel": This lengthy descriptive phrase forms the core reason for mourning. It is a powerful summary of the material benefits and improved social status that Saul's reign facilitated. It paints a picture of a flourishing Israel where luxury goods like expensive dyes and precious metals were accessible, not just to the elite, but also to a broader segment of society as represented by its women. This portrays Saul as a provider, focusing on a significant, yet often overlooked, aspect of his reign that benefited the general population.

2 Samuel 1 24 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "scarlet" and "gold" suggests a level of material well-being that indicates successful governance in establishing security and promoting trade. Without peace, such expensive items would be scarce and inaccessible for the general population.
• David's lament, "The Song of the Bow," goes beyond personal grief; it is a profound act of statesmanship. By honoring Saul and focusing on his contributions to the common people's prosperity, David demonstrates his respect for the institution of kingship and implicitly encourages national unity following Saul's demise.
• This verse, along with the entire lament, offers a balanced perspective on Saul's reign, acknowledging that despite his disobedience and personal flaws, he indeed presided over a period of national flourishing in some aspects, particularly concerning the material comfort of his people.

2 Samuel 1 24 Commentary

In this verse, David calls the "daughters of Israel" to lament Saul's death, emphasizing the tangible prosperity his rule brought. By stating that Saul "clothed them in scarlet...and put ornaments of gold upon their apparel," David points to a period of peace and affluence during Saul's reign, where the common populace, represented by its women, could enjoy luxuries. Scarlet and gold were costly items, indicative of high status and wealth, which would only be widespread if the nation experienced stability and economic well-being. This tribute, delivered by David who suffered greatly under Saul, demonstrates his profound magnanimity and political wisdom. It shifts the focus from Saul's spiritual failings and personal animosity with David to his practical achievements as a king who fostered a stable society capable of affording such luxuries. It serves as a unifying call for mourning, recognizing the complex legacy of Saul and setting a precedent for David's own benevolent leadership, aiming to consolidate support across Israel.