2 samuel 2:5 - David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “Blessed are you by Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him.
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What does "2 samuel 2:5" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:5 is David acknowledging and praising the men of Jabesh Gilead for their bravery and loyalty in burying Saul's body and the bodies of his sons. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Saul and his sons had been killed in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. The Philistines desecrated their bodies, hanging them on the walls of Beth Shan. The men of Jabesh Gilead, remembering a past act of deliverance by Saul (1 Samuel 11), bravely went and retrieved the bodies, brought them back to Jabesh Gilead, and buried them with honor.
"David sent messengers..." David, who had not been involved in the battle and was living in Ziklag at the time, hears about this courageous act.
"...to the men of Jabesh Gilead..." David recognizes the exceptional bravery and loyalty this specific group has shown.
"...Blessed are you by Yahweh..." David invokes a blessing from God (Yahweh) upon the men of Jabesh Gilead. This isn't just a casual thank you; it's a recognition that their actions are righteous and deserving of divine favor.
"...that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul..." This is the heart of the verse. David acknowledges that their act of burying Saul was an act of chesed (kindness, loyalty, covenantal love) to their lord (Saul). David is demonstrating respect for Saul, the previous king, despite the complicated relationship they had and Saul's animosity towards him.
"...even to Saul..." This phrase is significant. It underscores that the kindness was shown despite Saul. Saul had pursued David, tried to kill him, and created significant hardship for David. Yet, David still recognized Saul's position as the anointed king and appreciated the loyalty shown to him.
"...and have buried him." This specifies the act of kindness: the dignified burial. In ancient times, proper burial was considered essential for the deceased to have peace in the afterlife. Denying someone burial was a grave insult.
Overall Meaning:
David's message serves multiple purposes:
Public Acknowledgement: It publicly recognizes and honors the bravery and loyalty of the men of Jabesh Gilead.
Political Strategy: By praising those loyal to Saul, David subtly shows that he is not seeking revenge or erasing Saul's legacy. This is a smart political move to win over those who were loyal to the previous king, even though Saul had not liked David.
Moral Example: It sets a moral example for the people of Israel, demonstrating that even in times of conflict, kindness and respect are important.
Divine Blessing: It calls on God to bless those who have acted righteously.
In essence, this verse highlights the importance of loyalty, respect for the dead, and the enduring power of kindness, even towards one's enemies. It also reveals David's political savvy and his desire to unite Israel under his leadership while acknowledging the past.
2 samuel 2:5 - David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “Blessed are you by Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him.
What does "2 samuel 2:5" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:5 is David acknowledging and praising the men of Jabesh Gilead for their bravery and loyalty in burying Saul's body and the bodies of his sons. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Context: Saul and his sons had been killed in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. The Philistines desecrated their bodies, hanging them on the walls of Beth Shan. The men of Jabesh Gilead, remembering a past act of deliverance by Saul (1 Samuel 11), bravely went and retrieved the bodies, brought them back to Jabesh Gilead, and buried them with honor.
"David sent messengers..." David, who had not been involved in the battle and was living in Ziklag at the time, hears about this courageous act.
"...to the men of Jabesh Gilead..." David recognizes the exceptional bravery and loyalty this specific group has shown.
"...Blessed are you by Yahweh..." David invokes a blessing from God (Yahweh) upon the men of Jabesh Gilead. This isn't just a casual thank you; it's a recognition that their actions are righteous and deserving of divine favor.
"...that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul..." This is the heart of the verse. David acknowledges that their act of burying Saul was an act of chesed (kindness, loyalty, covenantal love) to their lord (Saul). David is demonstrating respect for Saul, the previous king, despite the complicated relationship they had and Saul's animosity towards him.
"...even to Saul..." This phrase is significant. It underscores that the kindness was shown despite Saul. Saul had pursued David, tried to kill him, and created significant hardship for David. Yet, David still recognized Saul's position as the anointed king and appreciated the loyalty shown to him.
"...and have buried him." This specifies the act of kindness: the dignified burial. In ancient times, proper burial was considered essential for the deceased to have peace in the afterlife. Denying someone burial was a grave insult.
Overall Meaning:
David's message serves multiple purposes:
Public Acknowledgement: It publicly recognizes and honors the bravery and loyalty of the men of Jabesh Gilead.
Political Strategy: By praising those loyal to Saul, David subtly shows that he is not seeking revenge or erasing Saul's legacy. This is a smart political move to win over those who were loyal to the previous king, even though Saul had not liked David.
Moral Example: It sets a moral example for the people of Israel, demonstrating that even in times of conflict, kindness and respect are important.
Divine Blessing: It calls on God to bless those who have acted righteously.
In essence, this verse highlights the importance of loyalty, respect for the dead, and the enduring power of kindness, even towards one's enemies. It also reveals David's political savvy and his desire to unite Israel under his leadership while acknowledging the past.