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

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 1:17

What does "2 samuel 1:17" mean?


The verse "David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son" from 2 Samuel 1:17 is a heading or introduction to the poem that follows, which is known as the "Song of the Bow" or David's Lament.

Meaning Breakdown:

David lamented: This indicates that David, who would later become king, expressed deep sorrow and grief. "Lamented" implies a formal, often poetic, expression of mourning.
With this lamentation: This signals that the following verses contain a specific poem or song of mourning composed by David.
Over Saul and over Jonathan his son: This clarifies that the lament is specifically for the deaths of Saul, the current king whom David served (and whom David greatly respected as the Lord's anointed), and Jonathan, Saul's son and David's extremely close friend. Despite Saul's sometimes hostile actions towards David, and the complicated nature of the relationship with Saul, David deeply loved Jonathan, and the loss of both of them deeply moved him.

In essence, the verse tells us:

1. Who: David is the one mourning.
2. How: He expresses his grief through a formal lament (a poem).
3. Whom: The lament is for Saul and Jonathan.
4. Purpose: It introduces the specific poem David composed to honor and mourn their deaths.

The verse sets the stage for the emotional and poetic expression of grief that follows, revealing David's complex feelings towards both Saul and Jonathan. It shows the deep respect and love he held for both men, even in the face of complicated relationships and circumstances.

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