FocusThe struggle over kingship
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
interpretation 2 Samuel 1:16
KJVAnd David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD's anointed.
Read it in context
Saul’s Death Reported to David
Start reading at 2 Samuel 1:1 (2 Samuel 1:1 to 2 Samuel 1:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
- 1:1 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
- 1:2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
- 1:3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
- 1:4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
- 1:5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
- 1:6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
- 1:7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
- 1:8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
- 1:9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
- 1:10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
- 1:11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
- 1:12 And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
- 1:13 And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
- 1:14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?
- 1:15 And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
- 1:16 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD's anointed.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 1:1–1:27): David and his men hear the Amalekite's report about Saul and Jonathan. David's lament is preserved for the people of Judah to learn. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Saul’s Death Reported to David. Read 2 Samuel 1:1 through 2 Samuel 1:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. David's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Saul’s Death Reported to David (2 Samuel 1:1 to 2 Samuel 1:16). Start reading at 2 Samuel 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 1:1, 2 Samuel 1:16, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad.
1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Related passages
- Thy blood Gen 9:5-6 Lev 20:9,11-13,16,27 Deut 19:10 Josh 2:19 Judg 9:24 1 Sam 26:9 1 Kgs 2:32-33,37 Ezek 18:13
- mouth 2 Sam 1:10 Job 15:6 Prov 6:2 Luke 19:22 Rom 3:19
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 1
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan
2 Samuel 1:17–27FocusThe struggle over kingship
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. David's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
2 Samuel 5:3 2 Samuel 7:12 2 Samuel 12:9
FocusThe struggle over kingship
Connection to the wholeDavid's mourning and the divided kingdom lead to the ending of Ishbosheth's rule.
interpretation David's kingdom established
2 Samuel 5:1–10:19FocusJerusalem, the ark, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation Sin and conflict in David's house
2 Samuel 11:1–20:26FocusConsequences and rebellion
Connection to the wholeDavid's sin and the prophetic rebuke are followed by conflict and rebellion within his household and kingdom.
interpretation Closing records of David's reign
2 Samuel 21:1–24:25FocusJustice, praise, warriors, and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.