1. 2 Samuel 1:17–27 (ESV)
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Sermon outline for 2 Samuel 1:17–27

2 Samuel 1:17–27 (ESV)

17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son,

  • Introduction

    In 2 Samuel 1:1–17 we saw the beauty of Jesus Christ prefigured in David. When he received news of Saul’s defeat in battle, he did not rejoice and throw a party like we might expect, but he wept. He mourned; he grieved the death of a ruler and a friend. He remained loyal despite all Saul’s crimes. Then he revealed his justice when he executed the Amalekite who claimed to have struck the decisive blow. He is not a king who will take a bribe to advance his name, neither will he forget who the true enemies are. In all of this, David was shown to be a good king who is worthy of Israel’s support, and Jesus Christ was shown to be the perfect King who is worthy of our devotion.

    In 2 Samuel 1:17–27 we will continue to reflect on the beauty and work of Jesus Christ as we consider the poem which his Holy Spirit spoke through the mouth of David.

  • Feeling the pain of David and Israel

    • Explain: what is the purpose of a lament?

    • Explain: how do the Israelites feel about the death of Saul?

    • Explain: why is the death of Saul in defeat especially painful? What has it revealed about God’s justice?

  • Pastoral guidance and preparation

    • Explain: why does David praise Saul in his lament?

    • Explain: what does the title of the lament show about its purpose?

    • Explain: how does the pastoral nature of the poem prefigure the work of Jesus Christ?

    • Explain: how does the preparation for war prefigure the work of Jesus Christ, by his Spirit, in Christian believers?

  • The love of God’s King

    • Explain: how was the love of Jonathan different from the love of Michal?

    • Explain/Apply: how does God’s King feel toward God’s people?

    • Apply: be comforted by the love of your King and be committed to walking in his ways.

  • Prayer

    Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus is the true King who leads us in obedience and rescues us from death. Thank you that we belong to him and that we can be confident of resurrection and eternal life in your presence. Father, help us by your Spirit to be loyal to your King as he is loyal to us. May we forsake this world rather than doing the least thing against your law. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.