Today I read 2 Samuel 1, in which David and his men receive the news of Saul’s death. David laments Saul and Jonathan’s deaths, especially Jonathan. Today I considered that God has us experience both victory/joy and grief/sorrow in our lives.
Victory to Grief
David goes from being home victorious to grieving his brother Jonathan (2 Samuel 1: 1-27). David and his men were back home the third day after getting their families back from the Amalekites. An Amalekite with torn clothes and dirt on him from Saul’s camp brought the news about everyone fleeing and Saul and his sons being dead. This Amalekite told them Saul was gravely wounded, upset that he was not dead, asked to be killed, and the Amalekite killed him. The Amalekite brought Saul’s crown and bracelet to David. David and his men cried, grieved, and fasted the rest of the day. David had someone kill the Amalekite because he killed God’s anointed. David said all the warriors would learn how to use the bow. David praises Saul and Jonathan being mighty, lovely, pleasant, and more. David was especially upset over Jonathan saying his brother Jonathan loved him better to than even women.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Imagine the joy of getting all your family back plus enough goods to send all your friends something. You are home happy for two days and the third day you hear that Saul and your sworn brother that loves you have died. David and his men grieved and fasted.
What have you done to be closer to God even when you go from victory to sorrow?