2 Samuel 1:20

Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.

Study Bible

Tell it not in Gath;
Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and the hometown of Goliath. It represents a place of Israel's enemies, and David's lament here is a plea to keep the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths from reaching the Philistines. This reflects a concern for national honor and the potential for enemy gloating. The phrase underscores the tension between Israel and the Philistines, who were frequent adversaries throughout the Old Testament.

proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
Ashkelon, another principal city of the Philistines, was known for its strategic location and strength. By mentioning Ashkelon, David emphasizes the importance of not allowing Israel's defeat to become a cause for celebration among their enemies. This reflects the cultural practice of public announcements in city streets, where news would spread quickly. The mention of Ashkelon alongside Gath highlights the widespread influence of the Philistine cities.

lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
The "daughters of the Philistines" symbolizes the entire Philistine population, as women often participated in public celebrations and mourning. Their rejoicing would signify a deep humiliation for Israel. This phrase echoes the cultural practices of victory celebrations, where women would sing and dance, as seen in other biblical passages like Exodus 15:20-21 and 1 Samuel 18:6-7.

and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
"Uncircumcised" is a term used to describe those outside the covenant community of Israel, often referring to the Philistines. It highlights the religious and cultural divide between Israel and its enemies. The exultation of the uncircumcised would be a spiritual and national disgrace for Israel, as it would imply that those not in covenant with God were triumphing over His chosen people. This phrase underscores the theme of covenant identity and the shame associated with defeat by those outside the covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The future king of Israel, who mourns the death of Saul and Jonathan and composes a lament.

2. Gath
A Philistine city, one of the five major cities of the Philistines, known for its military strength.

3. Ashkelon
Another major Philistine city, often associated with pagan worship and hostility towards Israel.

4. Philistines
A perennial enemy of Israel, known for their conflicts with the Israelites throughout the Old Testament.

5. Daughters of the Philistines
Symbolic of the Philistine people, representing their potential joy over Israel's misfortune.

Teaching Points

Guarding Against Enemy Rejoicing
David's instruction not to tell of Israel's defeat in Philistine cities highlights the importance of not giving the enemy cause to celebrate. In our lives, we should be cautious about sharing our struggles in ways that might bring joy to those who oppose us.

The Power of Lament
David's lamentation is a powerful expression of grief and respect for Saul and Jonathan. It teaches us the value of expressing sorrow and honoring those who have passed, even amidst conflict.

Unity in Adversity
Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David's lament shows a deep respect for the anointed king of Israel. This teaches us to maintain respect and unity, even with those we may have conflicts with, especially within the body of Christ.

Cultural Sensitivity
David's awareness of the cultural implications of Israel's defeat reminds us to be sensitive to how our actions and words are perceived by others, particularly those outside the faith.

The Role of Leadership
David's response to Saul's death demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide their people through times of national or communal grief, setting an example of integrity and respect.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's reaction to Saul's death challenge our understanding of forgiveness and respect for authority, even when wronged?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of not giving our enemies cause to rejoice in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. How does the lament in 2 Samuel 1:20 reflect the broader biblical theme of mourning and lamentation, and how can this be applied in our worship and prayer life?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's leadership in handling the news of Saul's death, and how can these lessons be applied in our roles within our communities or churches?

5. How does the cultural context of the Philistines and Israelites enhance our understanding of the significance of David's lament, and what modern parallels can we draw from this?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 31
Describes the death of Saul and Jonathan, providing context for David's lament in 2 Samuel 1.

Psalm 137
Reflects a similar sentiment of not wanting enemies to rejoice over Israel's downfall.

Judges 16
The account of Samson and Delilah, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines.

Micah 1:10
Uses similar language about not announcing misfortune in enemy territory, showing a thematic consistency in Scripture.