David Learns of Saul's Death

(1 Samuel 31:1-6; 1 Chronicles 10:1-6)

1And it cometh to pass, after the death of Saul, that David hath returned from smiting the Amalekite, and David dwelleth in Ziklag two days, 2and it cometh to pass, on the third day, that lo, a man hath come in out of the camp from Saul, and his garments [are] rent, and earth on his head; and it cometh to pass, in his coming in unto David, that he falleth to the earth, and doth obeisance. 3And David saith to him, ‘Whence comest thou?’ and he saith unto him, ‘Out of the camp of Israel I have escaped.’ 4And David saith unto him, ‘What hath been the matter? declare, I pray thee, to me.’ And he saith, that ‘The people hath fled from the battle, and also a multitude hath fallen of the people, and they die; and also Saul and Jonathan his son have died.’ 5And David saith unto the youth who is declaring [it] to him, ‘How hast thou known that Saul and Jonathan his son [are] dead?’ 6And the youth who is declaring [it] to him saith, I happened to meet in mount Gilboa, and lo, Saul is leaning on his spear; and lo, the chariots and those possessing horses have followed him; 7and he turneth behind him, and seeth me, and calleth unto me, and I say, Here [am] I. 8And he saith to me, Who [art] thou? and I say unto him, An Amalekite I [am].’ 9‘And he saith unto me, Stand, I pray thee, over me, and put me to death, for seized me hath the arrow, for all my soul [is] still in me. 10And I stand over him, and put him to death, for I knew that he doth not live after his falling, and I take the crown which [is] on his head, and the bracelet which [is] on his arm, and bring them in unto my lord hither.’

11And David taketh hold on his garments, and rendeth them, and also all the men who [are] with him, 12and they mourn, and weep, and fast till the evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Jehovah, and for the house of Israel, because they have fallen by the sword. 13And David saith unto the youth who is declaring [it] to him, ‘Whence [art] thou?’ and he saith, ‘Son of a sojourner, an Amalekite, I [am].’ 14And David saith unto him, ‘How wast thou not afraid to put forth thy hand to destroy the anointed of Jehovah?’ 15And David calleth to one of the youths, and saith, ‘Draw nigh — fall upon him;’ and he smiteth him, and he dieth; 16and David saith unto him, ‘Thy blood [is] on thine own head, for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I — I put to death the anointed of Jehovah.’

David's Song for Saul and Jonathan

17And David lamenteth with this lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son; 18and he saith to teach the sons of Judah ‘The Bow;’ lo, it is written on the book of the Upright: —

19‘The Roebuck, O Israel, On thy high places [is] wounded; How have the mighty fallen!

20Declare [it] not in Gath, Proclaim not the tidings in the streets of Ashkelon, Lest they rejoice — The daughters of the Philistines, Lest they exult — The daughters of the Uncircumcised!

21Mountains of Gilboa! No dew nor rain be on you, And fields of heave-offerings! For there hath become loathsome The shield of the mighty, The shield of Saul — without the anointed with oil.

22From the blood of the wounded, From the fat of the mighty, The bow of Jonathan Hath not turned backward; And the sword of Saul doth not return empty.

23Saul and Jonathan! They are loved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they have not been parted. Than eagles they have been lighter, Than lions they have been mightier!

24Daughters of Israel! for Saul weep ye, Who is clothing you [in] scarlet with delights. Who is lifting up ornaments of gold on your clothing.

25How have the mighty fallen In the midst of the battle! Jonathan! on thy high places wounded!

26I am in distress for thee, my brother Jonathan, Very pleasant wast thou to me; Wonderful was thy love to me, Above the love of women!

27How have the mighty fallen, Yea, the weapons of war perish!’