2 Samuel 1: How the Mighty Have Fallen

Summary:

King Saul and his sons have just died in battle while fighting the Philistines. David just returned to Ziglag (where he has been hiding with his men) after fighting the Amalekites. A survivor form Saul's army shows up and tells David the news of the death of King Saul and his sons. He tells David that he helped Saul commit suicide because Saul knew he was dying anyway asked him to help him die. He brought Saul's crown and armlet to David. David is offended that he had such a glib attitude toward helping kill the Lord's anointed King. David has the man put to death for his disrespect. David then sings a son of lament for Saul and his sons. The lament ends with "How the mighty have fallen."

What are my takeaways from this passage?

1. The end does not justify the means. The young man that brought Saul's crown to David thought he would be rewarded, but David knows that doing the wrong thing is still wrong, even if it has a positive outcome.

2. Grief is an essential part of life. We need to take time to grieve.

3. Even the mighty fall, no-one is invincible.

Hope Wirta