What does 2 Samuel 1:17 mean?

"¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:" - 2 Samuel 1:17

2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"

2 Samuel 1:17 - "And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"

In this verse, we witness David's deep grief and sorrow over the deaths of King Saul and his close friend Jonathan. This lamentation serves as a powerful expression of David's emotions and establishes the theme of mourning and loss in the Bible.

The context of this verse is crucial for understanding its significance. Prior to this verse, in 1 Samuel 31, we learn of the deaths of King Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, in a battle against the Philistines. David, who at this time was not yet king, had a complex relationship with King Saul. Despite Saul's attempts to kill him out of jealousy, David still respected him as the Lord's anointed and mourns his death.

The verse begins with "And David lamented," signifying the beginning of a mourning song or funeral dirge. Lamentations were a common way to express grief in ancient Israel, and they often included both sorrow for the deceased and praise for their virtues and accomplishments. David's lamentation over Saul and Jonathan is an important demonstration of his love and respect for both men, despite the difficulties he faced with Saul.

It is important to note that David's lamentation over Saul and Jonathan highlights the depth of his emotions and his ability to mourn openly, which is a significant aspect of his character. As a leader, David showed vulnerability and empathy, and this lamentation serves as a reminder of the importance of expressing grief and honoring the memory of those who have passed.

The verse also emphasizes the significance of relationships and the impact of loss on individuals. David's mourning over Jonathan, in particular, reflects the depth of their bond as close friends. Their friendship is often cited as a model of loyalty, trust, and love, and David's lamentation underscores the pain of losing such a cherished companion.

Symbolism plays a crucial role in this verse as well. The act of lamenting itself is symbolic of the human experience of grief and the recognition of the value of those who have passed. In addition, David's lamentation serves as a symbol of respect and honor for the deceased, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging the impact of their lives.

Overall, 2 Samuel 1:17 holds profound meaning within the larger context of David's life and the broader themes of mourning and loss in the Bible. This verse portrays David as a man deeply affected by the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, highlighting his emotional depth and the importance of expressing grief. Moreover, it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of relationships and the significance of honoring the memory of those who have passed. Through this lamentation, David exemplifies the human experience of loss and the value of honoring those we have lost.

2 Samuel 1:17 Artwork

2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"

2 Samuel 1:7 - "And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I."

1 Samuel 10:17 - "¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;"

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."

1 Samuel 17:2 - "And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines."

2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."

1 Samuel 17:14 - "And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul."

2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."

1 Samuel 2:12

2 Samuel 1:27 - "How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!"

1 Samuel 1:17 - "Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him."

1 Samuel 17:56 - "And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is."

2 Samuel 2:17 - "And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David."

2 Samuel 17:1 - "Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:"

1 Samuel 17:29 - "And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?"

1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."

1 Samuel 17:53 - "And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents."

1 Samuel 8:17 - "He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants."

1 Samuel 17:19 - "Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines."

1 Samuel 17:16 - "And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days."

2 Samuel 8:17 - "And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;"

2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."

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."

1 Samuel 9:17 - "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people."

2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."

1 Samuel 17:15 - "But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Beth-lehem."

2 Samuel 17:17 - "Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David."

2 Samuel 1:19 - "The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!"

2 Samuel 17:24 - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."