II Samuel Chapter 1

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Introduction to II Samuel: The book of II Samuel is also known by the Hebrews as the second book of the kings. Though it is traditionally ascribed to Samuel, it is clear that Samuel could not have written the book for he was long dead. It is more likely that Nathan, the prophet, and Gad, the seer, were the writers thereof based upon I Chronicles 29:29. The book covers a period of about thirty-eight years.

Whereas I Samuel provided the background of David and God’s providential preparation for him to be king, II Samuel records the history of David as king. During David’s reign, Jerusalem became both the religious as well as political center of the nation. The book records such momentous events as the Davidic Covenant, David’s great sin, the bitter harvest of David’s sin, and the conclusion of his reign.

Overview of II Samuel Chapter 1: The first chapter of II Samuel presents the details of David hearing of Saul’s death and his reaction.

I. Death of Saul

2 Sam 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;

2 Sam 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.

The chapter begins with David hearing the news of Saul’s demise. This was less than three days after David had returned to Ziklag, his home base after defeating the marauding Amalekites. We studied about this in chapter 30 of our earlier study of I Samuel (1Samuel 30:17). One of the men from Saul’s camp arrives and bows down to David and shows respect. The fact his clothes were rent and dirt was upon his head indicated he was in a state of distress.

2 Sam 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.

2 Sam 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.

2 Sam 1:5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

The messenger informs David of the defeat of Israel at the hand of the Philistines and of seemingly more importance, that Saul and Jonathan were dead. David presses this man to find out how he knew that Saul and Jonathan were dead.

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