March 27, 2026 - 2 Samuel 1-4

Saul had fallen in the battle with the Amalekites.  He was close to death and in much anguish when an Amalekite man came by.  Saul asked this man to kill him and so he did.  The man took Saul’s crown and armlet and took them to David, perhaps thinking he could curry favor with the man who would become king.  David’s response?  “Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword” (1:11-12).  David had shown so much loyalty to Saul in previous years and, now that Saul was dead, David found no reason to gloat or to rejoice.  No self promotion, here; only loyalty.

Further, David asked the Amalekite, “’How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?’  Then David called one of the young men and said, ‘Go, execute him.’ And he struck him down so that he died” (1:14-15).  What’s the old proverb?  “Justice delayed is justice denied.”  No delay, here!

Before David was anointed king of all Israel, he was first anointed, at Hebron, king of Judah:  “And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah” 92:4).  A great king he would be, a man of great moral character, ancestor of the one called “Son of David,” the great David’s greater Son.   The story continues . . .

Hail to the Lord's Anointed,

great David's greater Son!

Hail in the time appointed,

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

to set the captive free;

to take away transgression,

and rule in equity.

He comes with succor speedy

to those who suffer wrong;

to help the poor and needy,

and bid the weak be strong;

to give them songs for sighing,

their darkness turn to light,

whose souls, condemned and dying,

are precious in his sight.   --James Montgomery (1821)