2 Samuel 1:11

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Samuel 1:11 records David's immediate and profound reaction to the news of King Saul's death and the death of his beloved friend, Jonathan. This verse captures a moment of intense grief and traditional mourning.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic account of an Amalekite bringing news to David that he had killed Saul on Mount Gilboa. Despite years of being pursued and persecuted by Saul, David does not rejoice at his adversary's demise. Instead, his reaction is one of deep sorrow, reflecting both his genuine love for Jonathan and his profound respect for Saul as God's anointed king. This act sets the stage for David's moving lament found later in the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Profound Grief: David's immediate action of tearing his clothes signifies an overwhelming, visceral sorrow. This was not a feigned emotion but a deep, genuine expression of loss for both his close friend and the fallen king of Israel.
  • Respect for God's Anointed: Even though Saul had been his relentless enemy, David consistently demonstrated reverence for Saul's position as the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). His mourning highlights this principle, emphasizing that one should not rejoice at the fall of even an unjust leader, especially one chosen by God.
  • Solidarity in Sorrow: The fact that "all the men that were with him" likewise rent their clothes shows the shared burden of grief and the loyalty of David's followers. It demonstrates a communal recognition of the tragedy that had befallen Israel.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The phrase "rent them" comes from the Hebrew word qara' (קָרַע), which means to tear, rip, or cut. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the tearing of garments was a common and powerful non-verbal expression of intense emotion, particularly:

  • Mourning: For the dead (e.g., Genesis 37:34, Job 1:20).
  • Distress or Despair: In response to bad news, calamity, or a sense of hopelessness.
  • Horror or Indignation: At blasphemy or extreme wickedness.

This public display was not merely symbolic but a deeply felt and recognized sign of inner turmoil and despair, understood by everyone in the community.

Practical Application

David's reaction offers several timeless lessons:

  • Authentic Expression of Grief: It reminds us that grief is a natural and necessary human emotion. There is no shame in expressing deep sorrow, especially over significant losses.
  • Respect Beyond Conflict: David's example encourages us to practice respect, even for those with whom we have had profound disagreements or who have wronged us, particularly when considering their ultimate fate or their role in a larger divine plan.
  • Communal Support: The shared mourning of David and his men highlights the importance of communal support in times of sorrow. Bearing one another's burdens is a vital aspect of fellowship and human compassion (Galatians 6:2).
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 13:31 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Genesis 37:34 (3 votes)

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

  • Joshua 7:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Romans 12:15 (2 votes)

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