In 2 Samuel 1:17–27, David grieves the death of Saul and Jonathan. He writes a lament to express his own feelings and also to guide the people of Judah (Israel) in their grief. It reveals David’s heart toward Saul and Jonathan, making it clear that he did not harbour feelings of hatred toward them.1 It is one of the most sensitive and moving expressions of mourning ever written.2
The song of David links back to the Song of Hannah found at the beginning of 1 Samuel. Hannah spoke of a reversal of fortune with bows of the mighty being broken in battle (1 Samuel 2:4). David’s song picks up on this theme as well. Israel sought a king of their own choosing, someone impressive and mighty, a king like that of the nations (1 Samuel 8:10). The result has been calamity instead of peace. Now, in the song of David, they are encouraged to commit themselves to the Lord and hope for his anointed, a king of his choosing to come and rescue.
17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son,