2 Samuel 1:15

And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.

And David {H1732} called {H7121} one {H259} of the young men {H5288}, and said {H559}, Go near {H5066}, and fall {H6293} upon him. And he smote {H5221} him that he died {H4191}.

David called one of his young men and said, "Go over to him, and kill him." The man struck him down, and he died.

Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died.

And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him, so that he died.

Commentary

2 Samuel 1:15 recounts a pivotal moment following the death of King Saul, where David, upon hearing a self-proclaimed account of Saul's demise from an Amalekite, orders the immediate execution of the messenger.

Context

This verse is part of David's reaction to the news of King Saul's death and the defeat of Israel by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1-6). An Amalekite comes to David claiming to have delivered the final blow to Saul, taking Saul's crown and bracelet as proof (2 Samuel 1:10). The Amalekite likely expected a reward from David, Saul's rival and successor-apparent. However, David's response is one of profound grief and swift justice, not celebration. This act immediately establishes David's character as a man who honors God's anointed, even those who have been his adversaries like Saul.

Historically, the Amalekites were a long-standing enemy of Israel, against whom God had declared perpetual war (Exodus 17:16). Saul himself had been commanded by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites but failed to do so completely (1 Samuel 15:3, 1 Samuel 15:9). This history adds a layer of irony and divine judgment to the Amalekite's fate.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Vengeance: David's command is a swift act of justice, punishing the Amalekite for what he claimed was an act of regicide against God's anointed king. Whether the Amalekite's story was entirely true (it contradicts the account in 1 Samuel 31:4-5, which says Saul fell on his own sword), his confession of "slaying the Lord's anointed" was enough for David.
  • Respect for God's Anointed: David consistently demonstrated an unwavering respect for God's chosen king, Saul, even when Saul sought his life. He famously refused to lay a hand on Saul multiple times (1 Samuel 24:6, 1 Samuel 26:9). This execution underscores David's deep reverence for the sacred office of the king, established by God.
  • Consequences of Presumption and Falsehood: The Amalekite's bold claim, likely made to curry favor, backfired spectacularly. His attempt to gain reward through a fabricated or embellished story led directly to his demise, highlighting the severe consequences of lying, especially regarding such grave matters.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fall upon him" is a direct command for execution, signifying a swift and decisive act of striking down. There are no complex Hebrew nuances here beyond the clear intention of the command to kill.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us of several enduring principles:

  • Respect for Authority: While we live in a different covenant, the principle of respecting those in authority, especially those God has placed in positions of leadership, remains vital.
  • Truthfulness: The Amalekite's fate serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and severe consequences of dishonesty and manipulation, particularly when seeking personal gain.
  • Justice: David's swift action, though harsh by modern standards, reflects a commitment to justice and holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly those that violate sacred trust or life.

David's response in 2 Samuel 1:15 sets the stage for his reign, demonstrating a king who values divine order and justice above personal ambition or rivalry.

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Cross-References

  • Job 5:12 (2 votes)

    He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

  • 1 Samuel 22:17 (2 votes)

    And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 22:18 (2 votes)

    And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.

  • Judges 8:20 (2 votes)

    And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, [and] slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he [was] yet a youth.

  • 2 Samuel 4:10 (2 votes)

    When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who [thought] that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

  • 2 Samuel 4:12 (2 votes)

    And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged [them] up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried [it] in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

  • Proverbs 11:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.