2 samuel 1:20 - Don’t tell it in Gath. Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
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What does "2 samuel 1:20" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 1:20, is from David's lament after the death of Saul and Jonathan in battle against the Philistines. It's a powerful expression of grief, patriotism, and the desire to protect the reputation of Israel and its God. Let's break it down:
"Don’t tell it in Gath. Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon..." Gath and Ashkelon were major Philistine cities. David is ordering that the news of Saul and Jonathan's defeat and death not be spread in these places.
"...lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice..." The "daughters" are representative of the general female population. Women often celebrated victories, so David fears that their jubilation over Israel's loss would be a further insult and humiliation.
"...lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph." "Uncircumcised" was a term of derision used by the Israelites for the Philistines, referring to their religious practices. By not being circumcised, the philistines were seen as unclean and not part of God's covenant. A triumph of the uncircumcised would not only be a military victory but also a perceived victory over the God of Israel.
In essence, David is saying: "Keep this tragic news quiet in the Philistine cities. Don't allow our enemies to revel in our defeat and the death of our king and his son. Don't give them the satisfaction of celebrating their perceived victory over us and our God."
The verse highlights:
David's grief and respect for Saul and Jonathan: He mourns their loss deeply.
David's patriotism and concern for Israel's reputation: He doesn't want Israel to be humiliated in the eyes of its enemies.
The religious undertones of the conflict: The defeat is not just a military one but also has implications for the perceived strength and favor of the Israelite God.
The importance of propaganda and perception: Controlling the narrative of events was important even in ancient times. David wants to prevent the Philistines from using the news to their advantage, fostering fear and undermining Israelite morale.
The verse is a poignant expression of loss, national pride, and the desire to protect the image of Israel in the face of defeat.
2 samuel 1:20 - Don’t tell it in Gath. Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
What does "2 samuel 1:20" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 1:20, is from David's lament after the death of Saul and Jonathan in battle against the Philistines. It's a powerful expression of grief, patriotism, and the desire to protect the reputation of Israel and its God. Let's break it down:
"Don’t tell it in Gath. Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon..." Gath and Ashkelon were major Philistine cities. David is ordering that the news of Saul and Jonathan's defeat and death not be spread in these places.
"...lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice..." The "daughters" are representative of the general female population. Women often celebrated victories, so David fears that their jubilation over Israel's loss would be a further insult and humiliation.
"...lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph." "Uncircumcised" was a term of derision used by the Israelites for the Philistines, referring to their religious practices. By not being circumcised, the philistines were seen as unclean and not part of God's covenant. A triumph of the uncircumcised would not only be a military victory but also a perceived victory over the God of Israel.
In essence, David is saying: "Keep this tragic news quiet in the Philistine cities. Don't allow our enemies to revel in our defeat and the death of our king and his son. Don't give them the satisfaction of celebrating their perceived victory over us and our God."
The verse highlights:
David's grief and respect for Saul and Jonathan: He mourns their loss deeply.
David's patriotism and concern for Israel's reputation: He doesn't want Israel to be humiliated in the eyes of its enemies.
The religious undertones of the conflict: The defeat is not just a military one but also has implications for the perceived strength and favor of the Israelite God.
The importance of propaganda and perception: Controlling the narrative of events was important even in ancient times. David wants to prevent the Philistines from using the news to their advantage, fostering fear and undermining Israelite morale.
The verse is a poignant expression of loss, national pride, and the desire to protect the image of Israel in the face of defeat.