Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Kills the Murderer of Saul

◄ David: King of Israel: Kills the Murderer of Saul ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his deep faith, military prowess, and complex character. One of the significant events in David's life is his response to the news of King Saul's death, which is recorded in 2 Samuel 1.

After the death of Saul, the first king of Israel, and his son Jonathan in battle against the Philistines, an Amalekite man came to David with news of their demise. The Amalekite claimed to have killed Saul at Saul's own request, as Saul was critically wounded and did not want to be captured by the enemy. The man brought Saul's crown and armlet to David, expecting a reward for his actions.

David's reaction to the Amalekite's report is a testament to his respect for God's anointed king and his adherence to divine principles. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit of David and attempts on his life, David consistently refused to harm Saul, recognizing him as the Lord's anointed. This respect is evident in David's response to the Amalekite's claim.

David questioned the Amalekite, saying, "How is it you were not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?" (2 Samuel 1:14). David's question underscores the gravity of the Amalekite's actions in David's eyes. The Amalekite's admission of killing Saul, whether true or fabricated to gain favor, was met with swift justice.

David ordered one of his young men to execute the Amalekite, declaring, "Your blood be on your own head, because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’" (2 Samuel 1:16). This act of justice reflects David's unwavering commitment to honoring God's chosen leaders and upholding the sanctity of the anointed king.

The incident also highlights David's deep mourning for Saul and Jonathan, as he lamented their deaths with a heartfelt elegy, expressing his sorrow and respect for the fallen king and his beloved friend Jonathan. David's lamentation is recorded in 2 Samuel 1:17-27, where he extols their virtues and mourns their loss.

David's execution of the Amalekite serves as a powerful reminder of his reverence for God's authority and his commitment to righteousness, even in the face of personal enmity and political opportunity. This episode in David's life exemplifies his complex character, marked by a profound sense of justice, loyalty, and faithfulness to God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 1:1-16
Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had stayed two days in Ziklag;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Sixth Commandment
... of the Amorites was full, he sent Israel to war ... God's picture, and breaking in pieces
the King of heaven's ... sin of blood lay heavy on David's conscience; though ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... third, from Abraham to David; the fourth, from David to the ... Him as the Son of God
and the King of Israel ... this name was given to the leader of Israel, not at ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

The Seventh Book
... of the Sacred Word: "The houses of Israel have all ... of man, take up a lamentation
upon the king of Tyrus ... from the numbering of the people by the blessed David. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Israel because he had given them such a king as Solomon ... the Son, "Thou art my servant,
O Israel, in whom ... 6. Ziba, in appearance, came to David much faster than ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... David, when his son was in danger after his adultery ... over master and slave, noble
and ignoble, the king and the ... For forty years all Israel toiled and died alike ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Doctrine
... man this advantage, but it is the mere mercy of the king, either because ... being the
ministration of death (2 Corinthians 3). And again; "Israel, which followeth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... that he had blessed, that is cursed, God and the king. ... example, but rather that of
the patriarch David, who, when he had surprised his enemy Saul in the ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, have not obtained it (v 30 ...
When we see a king's son play with a beggar, this is unbecoming; so if you be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part ii
... After your sincere repentance, expressed in the words of King David, the forgiveness
of ... should dwell in us, and not the Devil"this murderer, thief, ravisher ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... Mark, that "sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death," [10] because it kills
the soul ... in the Holy Ghost; we know that the gracious gaze of a king does not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm