2 Samuel 4:10

when someone told me, 'Look, Saul is dead,' and thought he was a bearer of good news, I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag. That was his reward for his news!

Study Bible

when someone told me, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’
This phrase refers to the report David received about the death of King Saul. Saul was the first king of Israel, and his death marked a significant turning point in Israel's history. The messenger likely expected David to be pleased, as Saul had been pursuing David to kill him. However, David had consistently shown respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). This reflects David's integrity and his understanding of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. The phrase also highlights the cultural practice of delivering news of a king's death, which could be seen as an opportunity for political gain.

and thought he was a bearer of good news,
The messenger assumed that David would rejoice at Saul's death, viewing it as an opportunity for David to ascend to the throne without opposition. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the death of a rival king was often seen as a cause for celebration by the opposing faction. However, David's reaction was contrary to this expectation, demonstrating his deep respect for God's anointed and his commitment to God's timing for his own kingship. This also underscores the biblical theme of God's ways being higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag.
Ziklag was a Philistine town given to David by Achish, king of Gath, where David and his men had taken refuge from Saul (1 Samuel 27:6). The execution of the messenger at Ziklag illustrates David's justice and his refusal to condone the killing of the Lord's anointed, even indirectly. This action aligns with the principle of divine justice, where David acts as an instrument of God's judgment. It also foreshadows the justice of Christ, who will judge righteously (John 5:30).

That was his reward for his news!
David's statement here is both ironic and instructive. The messenger expected a reward for bringing what he thought was good news, but instead, he received death. This serves as a moral lesson on the consequences of actions and the importance of understanding God's perspective. It also reflects the biblical principle that God rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness (Proverbs 11:18). David's response emphasizes the sanctity of God's anointed and the seriousness of taking life, even in the context of political power struggles.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The anointed king of Israel, who is known for his heart after God. In this verse, he reflects on his past actions and principles regarding justice and respect for God's anointed.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, whose death is the subject of the news brought to David. Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David respected him as God's anointed.

3. The Messenger
An unnamed individual who brought news of Saul's death to David, expecting a reward but instead faced execution for his actions.

4. Ziklag
A Philistine town where David resided during his time fleeing from Saul. It is the location where David executed the messenger.

5. The Amalekite
The person who claimed to have killed Saul and brought the news to David, expecting a reward for what he thought was good news.

Teaching Points

Respect for God's Anointed
David's actions demonstrate a deep respect for those whom God has placed in positions of authority, even when they are flawed or adversarial.

Justice and Integrity
David's decision to execute the messenger highlights the importance of justice and integrity, even when it might seem counterintuitive to worldly expectations.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Recognize that God appoints leaders, and it is not our place to undermine His decisions, but rather to trust in His timing and justice.

The Consequences of Seeking Selfish Gain
The messenger's fate serves as a warning against seeking personal gain through deceit or taking advantage of others' misfortunes.

The Importance of Truthfulness
The account underscores the value of truthfulness and the dangers of fabricating accounts for personal benefit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to the news of Saul's death reflect his understanding of God's sovereignty and justice?

2. In what ways can we apply David's respect for God's anointed to our interactions with leaders and authorities today?

3. How does the account of the messenger challenge us to consider our motivations when sharing news or information with others?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's actions about handling situations where we might benefit from someone else's downfall?

5. How can Romans 12:19 help us navigate feelings of revenge or justice in our personal lives, in light of David's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 24 and 26
These chapters recount David's opportunities to kill Saul but choosing not to harm the Lord's anointed, demonstrating his respect for God's chosen leader.

2 Samuel 1
This chapter provides the account of the Amalekite who brought news of Saul's death to David, expecting a reward, and was executed by David for claiming to have killed Saul.

Romans 12:19
This verse speaks about leaving vengeance to God, which aligns with David's actions of not taking personal revenge against Saul.