David, a Man After God’s HeartНамуна

Respect and grief

“They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.” (2 Samuel 1:12)

King Saul committed suicide in a battle against the Philistines. His sons also died in the battle. When this news reached David, he did not rejoice – which would have been logical in a way, since Saul chased him around the country and tried to murder him. Saul’s death would make David’s life a lot easier and gave him the opportunity to become Israel’s new king. Finally, God’s promises came true!

Instead of rejoicing, David lamented over Saul and his son Jonathan. He even wrote a song of lament: “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions. You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul...” (2 Samuel 2:23-24).

It was clear that Saul had done a lot of evil. But after his death, David honored him by stressing the positive things in his life and by expressing Israel’s grief about their king. David treated both Saul and Jonathan with respect, during their lives and even more after their death.

A classic aphorism states: “De mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum est” — “Speak no ill of the dead.” What do you think about this? How do you evaluate David’s words about King Saul?