2 Samuel 1:2

It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

It came even to pass on the third {H7992} day {H3117}, that, behold, a man {H376} came {H935} out of the camp {H4264} from Saul {H7586} with his clothes {H899} rent {H7167}, and earth {H127} upon his head {H7218}: and so it was, when he came {H935} to David {H1732}, that he fell {H5307} to the earth {H776}, and did obeisance {H7812}.

On the third day, there came a man from Sha'ul's camp with his clothes torn and earth on his head. He approached David, fell to the ground and prostrated himself.

On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saulโ€™s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage.

it came to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

Commentary

Context

This verse immediately follows the tragic conclusion of 1 Samuel, where King Saul and his son Jonathan meet their end on Mount Gilboa. David, having just returned to Ziklag from battling the Amalekites and recovering his family, is unaware of these devastating events. The arrival of this lone messenger marks a pivotal moment, signaling the end of one era and the beginning of David's ascension to the throne of Israel, though he first receives the news with profound grief.

Key Themes

  • The Conveyance of Grave News: The messenger's appearance is a stark visual cue that he carries tidings of immense sorrow and significance. His disheveled state immediately prepares David for the worst.
  • Universal Signs of Mourning: The actions of having "clothes rent, and earth upon his head" were widely recognized expressions of profound grief, distress, and lamentation in the ancient Near East. These actions communicated deep personal and communal sorrow.
  • Obeisance and Respect: The act of "falling to the earth, and did obeisance" signifies deep respect, submission, or a plea for mercy. It acknowledges David's growing authority and potential future kingship, even before the news is delivered.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "clothes rent, and earth upon his head" vividly portrays the depth of the messenger's sorrow and shock. This physical expression was a common and immediate sign of lamentation, seen throughout biblical narratives when facing death or disaster. The act of "did obeisance" comes from the Hebrew verb shachah (ืฉืึธื—ึธื”), which means to bow down, prostrate oneself, or do homage. Here, it's a gesture of profound reverence and submission to David, recognizing his status.

Practical Application

This scene reminds us of the human experience of receiving difficult news and the universal expressions of grief. It highlights the solemnity with which significant transitions, even those long prophesied, often unfold. For David, this news, though paving the way for his kingship, was met with genuine sorrow, illustrating his character and respect for God's anointed, even his adversary. His subsequent lament over Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17-27) further underscores his deep empathy and righteous leadership.

Reflection

2 Samuel 1:2 serves as the dramatic opening to David's reign, marking the end of the tumultuous period under Saul and setting the stage for David's response to tragedy and his eventual anointing as king over all Israel. It emphasizes the weight of leadership and the emotional toll of significant historical transitions.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 4:12 (6 votes)

    ยถ And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.

  • 2 Samuel 4:10 (4 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:

  • 1 Samuel 25:23 (3 votes)

    And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,

  • Joshua 7:6 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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.

  • Revelation 3:9 (2 votes)

    Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

  • Genesis 37:29 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 22:4 (2 votes)

    Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.