What does 2 Samuel 1:1 mean?
"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 Samuel 1:1
2 Samuel 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;"
The verse 2 Samuel 1:1 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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."
This verse marks the beginning of an important turning point in the narrative of the life of David, the future king of Israel. The verse opens with the phrase "Now it came to pass," signaling a shift in the story from the events surrounding the death of Saul and his sons in battle, to the aftermath and the implications for David and the nation of Israel.
The death of Saul is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as he was the first king of the nation, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Despite his initial promise, Saul's reign was plagued by disobedience to God and a lack of faithfulness, which ultimately led to his downfall. David, on the other hand, had been anointed as the future king of Israel by Samuel, and his rise to power is a central theme in the books of Samuel.
The verse also mentions that David had just returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and had stayed in Ziklag for two days. This detail serves to emphasize the contrast between the actions and character of David and Saul. While Saul had been disobedient to God's commands, leading to his demise, David had been faithful and victorious in battle.
This verse sets the stage for the events that follow, including the lamentation of David over the death of Saul and his sons, and his eventual ascent to the throne of Israel. It also foreshadows the conflict and struggles that David will face as he assumes the kingship.
In a broader context, this verse speaks to the themes of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of one's actions. It serves as a reminder that the choices we make and our obedience to God's commands have far-reaching effects, not only for ourselves but for those around us and for future generations.
Symbolically, the two days that David spends in Ziklag can be seen as a period of reflection and preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. It represents a time of transition and uncertainty, as David grapples with the implications of Saul's death and his own role in the unfolding events.
Overall, 2 Samuel 1:1 is a powerful and thought-provoking verse that sets the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold in the life of David and the nation of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, and the far-reaching consequences of our actions.
2 Samuel 1:1 Artwork
2 Samuel 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 Samuel 2:26 - "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 1:27 - "How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"
1 Samuel 2:4 - "The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength."
2 Samuel 19:1 - "And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom."
1 Samuel 2:12 - "¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD."
2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"
1 Samuel 2:2 - "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God."
2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."
1 Samuel 1:2 - "And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."
1 Samuel 1:25 - "And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli."
1 Samuel 8:1 - "And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel."
2 Samuel 6:1 - "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand."
1 Samuel 5:2 - "When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon."
1 Samuel 2:7 - "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."
2 Samuel 1:19 - "The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!"
1 Samuel 6:1 - "And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months."
1 Samuel 3:1 - "And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision."
1 Samuel 15:10 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,"
1 Samuel 29:2 - "And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands: but David and his men passed on in the rereward with Achish."
2 Samuel 18:1 - "And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them."
1 Samuel 10:17 - "¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;"
1 Samuel 7:15 - "And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life."
1 Samuel 2:24 - "Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress."
1 Samuel 2:17 - "Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."
2 Samuel 1:11 - "Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:"
1 Samuel 2:1 - "And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation."