2 Samuel 1:11

KJV

¶ Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that [were] with him:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} took hold {H2388} on his clothes {H899}, and rent {H7167} them; and likewise all the men {H582} that were with him:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and likewise all the men who were with him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same.

American Standard Version

Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon receiving the devastating news of King Saul's death and the tragic demise of his beloved friend Jonathan, David's immediate and profound reaction, as recorded in encapsulates a moment of intense, authentic grief and traditional mourning. This deeply symbolic act of tearing garments, mirrored by all his accompanying men, underscores not only David's personal sorrow for Jonathan but also his profound respect for Saul as God's anointed king, setting a tone of lament rather than triumph in the face of a national tragedy that marked a pivotal transition in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the dramatic and controversial report of an Amalekite, who claims to have delivered the final, fatal blow to King Saul on Mount Gilboa, subsequently bringing Saul's crown and armlet to David in the expectation of reward. The preceding verses ([2 Samuel 1:1-10](/2_samuel/1-1 "2 Samuel 1:1-10 - The Amalekite's Report to David")) detail this encounter, establishing the gravity of the news and the Amalekite's self-serving narrative. David's visceral reaction in [2 Samuel 1:11](/2_samuel/1-11 "2 Samuel 1:11 - David's Grief") is followed by his swift interrogation and execution of the Amalekite ([2 Samuel 1:13-16](/2_samuel/1-13 "2 Samuel 1:13-16 - David Executes the Amalekite")) for laying hands on the Lord's anointed. This sequence then sets the stage for the poignant "Lament of the Bow" over Saul and Jonathan ([2 Samuel 1:17-27](/2_samuel/1-17 "2 Samuel 1:17-27 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan")), which further solidifies David's character. His actions demonstrate deep respect for divine appointment and genuine affection for Jonathan, rather than any opportunistic joy at the removal of his long-time adversary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, the tearing of garments was a deeply ingrained and universally understood cultural practice signifying profound distress, mourning, horror, or indignation. It was a public and often immediate physical manifestation of internal turmoil, not merely a symbolic act but a genuine expression of a broken heart or a shocked spirit, often accompanied by wailing, fasting, and covering oneself with dust or sackcloth. For David, mourning Saul, despite years of relentless persecution, was also an act of profound respect for the office of the king, God's anointed. This principle was paramount to David, who consistently upheld it even when Saul sought his life, as seen in his refusal to harm Saul in the cave at Engedi ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul")) and again at Hachilah ([1 Samuel 26:9-11](/1_samuel/26-9 "1 Samuel 26:9-11 - David Spares Saul Again")). This cultural practice provided a visible, communal outlet for overwhelming emotion.
* **Key Themes:** David's reaction in this verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of David") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it emphatically emphasizes **David's righteous character** and his consistent reverence for God's chosen leaders, even when those leaders are flawed or antagonistic towards him. This contrasts sharply with the Amalekite's mercenary attitude and sets David apart as a "man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **profound grief and lament** in the face of national tragedy and deep personal loss, particularly for Jonathan, whose extraordinary bond with David is a central motif throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of David") and [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - David's Reign"). Finally, the communal nature of the mourning, with "all the men that were with him" joining in, underscores the theme of **solidarity and shared sorrow** within the nascent community forming around David, recognizing the immense loss for all Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took hold (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This verb (חָזַק) is a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon," "to seize," or "to be strong." In this context, it describes a deliberate and forceful action, indicating that David did not merely touch his clothes but grasped them firmly with intent to tear. This underscores the intentionality and intensity of his emotional response, a powerful physical manifestation of his internal shock and grief.
* **clothes (Hebrew, _beged'_):** The term (בֶּגֶד) refers to an outer garment or cloak. Tearing the outer garment was a visible, public act, not a private one. The act of tearing one's clothes was often accompanied by other outward signs of mourning, such as putting dust on one's head or sitting in ashes, further emphasizing the depth and public nature of the emotional state.
* **rent (Hebrew, _qâraʻ'_):** This verb (קָרַע) literally means "to tear," "to rip," or "to cut." In the context of garments, it denotes a deliberate, forceful act of tearing one's clothing as a public and visceral expression of intense emotion. It is a common biblical idiom for profound grief, mourning (e.g., [Genesis 37:34](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob's Mourning for Joseph")), horror (e.g., [2 Kings 18:37](/2_kings/18-37 "2 Kings 18:37 - Eliakim and Shebna Tear Their Clothes")), or despair (e.g., [Job 1:20](/job/1-20 "Job 1:20 - Job's Reaction to Loss")). David's immediate action signifies an overwhelming, unfeigned sorrow and shock.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** This term (אֱנוֹשׁ) refers to "a mortal," or "a man in general." Its use here emphasizes the shared humanity and vulnerability of David's company. It highlights that the grief was not limited to David alone but was a collective experience, demonstrating the solidarity and shared emotional impact of the news on all who were with him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them;"**: This clause describes David's immediate, physical, and deeply symbolic reaction to the news of Saul's death. The act of taking hold and tearing his clothes signifies profound grief, shock, and lament. It is a public display of his inner turmoil, demonstrating a genuine sorrow for the fallen king and his beloved friend Jonathan, rather than any sense of relief or triumph over his adversary. This action immediately establishes David's character as one who respects God's anointed and mourns national tragedy.
* **"and likewise all the men that [were] with him:"**: This second clause highlights the communal nature of the mourning. David's men, who had followed him through years of hardship and exile, joined him in this act of lament. This demonstrates their loyalty to David, their shared understanding of the gravity of the situation, and their participation in the collective sorrow over the death of Israel's king and his heir. It underscores a unity of purpose and emotion within David's company, reflecting a shared recognition of the national tragedy and the deep respect they held for David's leadership and values.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Parallelism**. The act of tearing clothes is highly **Symbolic**, representing a profound internal state of grief, shock, and despair. It is a non-verbal communication that transcends mere words, conveying the depth of David's sorrow for both Saul, the fallen king, and Jonathan, his dearest friend. This symbolic gesture is a recurring motif throughout biblical literature, universally understood in the ancient Near East as an outward manifestation of a shattered spirit. Furthermore, the phrase "and likewise all the men that [were] with him" creates a powerful **Parallelism** of action, emphasizing the shared nature of the grief. This parallelism not only underscores the widespread impact of the news but also highlights the solidarity and shared emotional response of David's loyal followers, reinforcing the communal aspect of the tragedy and the deep respect they held for David's leadership and the gravity of the national loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's response in [2 Samuel 1:11](/2_samuel/1-11 "2 Samuel 1:11 - David's Grief") is a powerful theological statement, demonstrating his unwavering respect for God's anointing, even upon a flawed and persecuting king. His grief is not merely for Jonathan, his beloved friend, but also for Saul, the Lord's anointed, whose death represents a national tragedy and a disruption of the divinely established order. This act of lament, rather than celebration, positions David as a man whose heart aligns with God's purposes, prioritizing divine appointment and national well-being over personal vindication. It foreshadows his just and compassionate reign, rooted in a deep reverence for God's sovereignty and a profound understanding of the sanctity of God's chosen instruments. This moment solidifies David's moral authority and spiritual integrity before his ascension to the throne.

* [Genesis 37:34](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob Tears His Garments for Joseph")
* [Job 1:20](/job/1-20 "Job 1:20 - Job Tears His Robe in Mourning")
* [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul, Respecting God's Anointed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's raw and immediate expression of grief in [2 Samuel 1:11](/2_samuel/1-11 "2 Samuel 1:11 - David's Grief") offers a profound model for how we, as believers, are called to respond to loss and tragedy. In a world that often encourages stoicism, superficiality, or even schadenfreude, David demonstrates the authenticity of human emotion, reminding us that sorrow is a legitimate and even necessary part of the human experience. His mourning for Saul, his persecutor, challenges us to cultivate a spirit of respect and compassion even for those who have wronged us, recognizing their inherent dignity and, in some cases, their divinely appointed roles. This passage also highlights the power of communal grief, showing that bearing one another's burdens in times of sorrow strengthens bonds and provides vital support. We are invited to lament with those who lament, to share in the pain of others, and to find solace in shared vulnerability, trusting that God is present even in our deepest sorrows, and that true leadership involves empathy and shared humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's authentic expression of grief challenge our own tendencies to suppress or minimize sorrow in the face of loss, both personal and communal?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a spirit of respect and compassion for those who have wronged us, particularly when they experience hardship or loss, reflecting David's reverence for God's anointing?**
* **How can we better participate in and offer genuine support within our communities during times of shared grief or national tragedy, mirroring the solidarity of David's men?**

### FAQ

**Why did David mourn Saul, his enemy?**

Answer: David's mourning for Saul was multifaceted and deeply significant, demonstrating his profound character. Firstly, it reflected his unwavering respect for Saul's position as "the Lord's anointed" ([1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David Spares Saul")). Despite Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts on David's life, David consistently refused to harm him, recognizing that Saul's authority came from God. David understood that to rejoice in the fall of God's chosen king, even a flawed one, would be to disrespect divine sovereignty and God's established order. Secondly, David's grief was genuine for the national tragedy that Saul's death represented for Israel; it was a moment of profound weakness and vulnerability for the nation. Thirdly, and perhaps most personally, David mourned the loss of Jonathan, Saul's son and David's dearest friend, whose death was inextricably linked to Saul's on Mount Gilboa. David's poignant lament in [2 Samuel 1:19-27](/2_samuel/1-19 "2 Samuel 1:19-27 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan") makes this clear, especially his heartfelt words for Jonathan: "I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women" ([2 Samuel 1:26](/2_samuel/1-26 "2 Samuel 1:26 - David's Lament for Jonathan")).

**Was tearing clothes a common practice in ancient Israel, and what did it signify?**

Answer: Yes, tearing clothes was a very common and highly significant practice in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East. It was a powerful non-verbal expression of intense emotion, primarily signifying profound grief or mourning (e.g., [Genesis 37:34](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob's Mourning for Joseph") when Jacob believed Joseph was dead, or [Job 1:20](/job/1-20 "Job 1:20 - Job's Reaction to Loss") upon hearing of his children's deaths). Beyond mourning, it could also express horror or indignation (e.g., at blasphemy, as seen when the high priest tore his robes in [Matthew 26:65](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - The High Priest Tears His Robes")), extreme distress or despair, or even repentance (though less commonly for this specific act). The act was public and immediate, often accompanied by other signs of lament like wailing, fasting, or putting dust on one's head, making the inner turmoil visibly manifest to the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound grief and lament over the death of Saul, the Lord's anointed, even his persecutor, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David mourned the death of a king who ultimately failed and brought about a national crisis, Christ, the true King of Israel and the ultimate Anointed One, willingly laid down His life, not as a victim of battle, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). David's respect for Saul's anointing foreshadows the perfect reverence due to Christ, who is God's eternally appointed King and High Priest, "anointed with the oil of gladness beyond your companions" ([Hebrews 1:9](/hebrews/1-9 "Hebrews 1:9 - Christ Anointed with Gladness")). Unlike Saul, whose death brought sorrow and a temporary vacuum of leadership, Christ's death, though initially causing profound grief to His disciples ([Luke 24:17](/luke/24-17 "Luke 24:17 - Disciples' Sadness on the Road to Emmaus")), ultimately led to His glorious resurrection and the triumph over sin and death, bringing eternal life and hope to all who believe ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and Dominion")). The communal mourning of David and his men for a fallen earthly king points forward to the universal sorrow for humanity's sin that necessitated Christ's sacrifice, and the ultimate communal joy of those who find redemption and new life in the resurrected [Lord Jesus Christ](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord"). His suffering and death, though a source of sorrow, were the means by which God's ultimate plan of salvation was accomplished, turning lament into everlasting praise and ushering in a new covenant of grace ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant"); [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 13:31

Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.

2 Samuel 3:31

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David [himself] followed the bier.

Genesis 37:29

And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph [was] not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.

Genesis 37:34

And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Joshua 7:6

¶ And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.

Acts 14:14

[Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.