2 Samuel 1:24

KJV

Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with [other] delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye daughters {H1323} of Israel {H3478}, weep over {H1058} Saul {H7586}, who clothed {H3847} you in scarlet {H8144}, with other delights {H5730}, who put {H5927} on ornaments {H5716} of gold {H2091} upon your apparel {H3830}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Daughters of Isra'el, weep over Sha'ul! He clothed you luxuriously in scarlet and put gold jewelry on your clothing.

Berean Standard Bible

O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.

American Standard Version

Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, Who clothed you in scarlet delicately, Who put ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 1:24 is a deeply poignant line from David's lament, "The Song of the Bow," delivered after receiving the devastating news of King Saul and Jonathan's deaths. In this verse, David directly addresses the "daughters of Israel," urging them to mourn Saul because of the material prosperity and luxurious adornments—specifically "scarlet" and "ornaments of gold"—they enjoyed under his reign. This call to collective grief highlights Saul's role as a provider and emphasizes the tangible loss felt by the nation, even amidst the complexities of his relationship with David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of David's heartfelt eulogy for Saul and Jonathan, recorded in [2 Samuel 1:17-27](/2_samuel/1-17 "2 Samuel 1:17-27 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan"). The lament immediately follows the arrival of an Amalekite messenger who falsely claims to have killed Saul and brings Saul's crown and armlet to David ([2 Samuel 1:1-16](/2_samuel/1-1 "2 Samuel 1:1-16 - David Hears of Saul's Death")). Despite the years of persecution David endured at Saul's hands, David's response is one of profound grief, not triumph. His lament, a masterpiece of Hebrew poetry, transcends personal animosity to honor the fallen king and his beloved friend Jonathan. Verse 24 specifically appeals to the women, perhaps the most visible beneficiaries of royal prosperity, to underscore the national scope of the tragedy and the loss of a king who, despite his flaws, brought a measure of material well-being to his people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul was Israel's first king, chosen by God through Samuel, though his reign was ultimately marked by disobedience and tragedy ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). The battle on Mount Gilboa, where Saul and Jonathan fell ([1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul and His Sons")), represented a significant defeat for Israel against the Philistines, their persistent enemies. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the prosperity of a nation was often directly linked to the success and stability of its king. The mention of "scarlet" and "ornaments of gold" points to a level of economic stability and access to luxury goods, which were highly valued status symbols. Public lamentation, often involving professional mourners and specific rituals, was a common cultural practice to express communal grief and honor the deceased, particularly for figures of national importance.

* **Key Themes:** The lament in [2 Samuel 1](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan") introduces several profound themes. **Lamentation and Collective Grief** are central, as David calls for a national outpouring of sorrow, emphasizing that the loss of a leader impacts the entire populace. This verse highlights **Royal Provision and Prosperity**, acknowledging Saul's role in bringing a measure of material comfort and adornment to his people, which in turn reflects on the perceived success and stability of his reign. Even in death, David's eulogy demonstrates a remarkable **Acknowledgment of a Leader's Contributions**, offering a balanced perspective that recognizes the positive aspects of Saul's rule despite the personal conflict and tragic end. This portrayal also underscores David's **Magnanimity and Righteousness**, as he chooses to honor God's anointed, even his adversary, rather than rejoice in his downfall, setting a precedent for his future kingship. The sorrow expressed for Saul is not merely for a king, but for a symbol of national pride and a source of tangible benefits, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 72:12-14](/psalm/72-12 "Psalm 72:12-14 - A Prayer for the King's Righteous Rule") regarding a king's care for his people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scarlet (Hebrew, _shani_):** This refers to a highly prized and expensive crimson dye, often derived from the kermes insect. In the ancient world, scarlet fabric was a luxury item, associated with royalty, wealth, and high social status. Its mention here signifies the opulence and distinction that Saul's reign supposedly afforded the Israelite women, making its loss a tangible symbol of national decline. It appears in contexts of wealth and prestige, such as the tabernacle curtains ([Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - The Tabernacle Curtains")) and the clothing of the wealthy ([Proverbs 31:21](/proverbs/31-21 "Proverbs 31:21 - The Virtuous Woman's Strength")).
* **Delights (Hebrew, _adaním_):** This word carries the connotation of luxurious or pleasant things, often referring to material comforts, pleasures, or finery. In this context, it broadly encompasses the various amenities and luxuries that contributed to the well-being and adornment of the women, beyond just the scarlet clothing. It suggests a period of relative ease and abundance under Saul's rule, contrasting sharply with the grim reality of his death in battle.
* **Ornaments of gold (Hebrew, _adi zahav_):** This phrase specifically denotes gold jewelry or decorative items. Gold was a universally recognized symbol of immense wealth, power, and beauty in the ancient Near East. The ability of Israelite women to wear such ornaments indicates not only personal affluence but also a general prosperity within the kingdom that allowed for the acquisition and display of such valuable items. This detail further underscores the material benefits attributed to Saul's reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul":** This is a direct, impassioned apostrophe, a rhetorical address to a specific group. David calls upon the women of Israel to engage in public, collective mourning for their fallen king. The choice of "daughters of Israel" is significant; women were often central to lamentation rituals and were also the primary wearers and displayers of fine clothing and jewelry, making them a fitting demographic to embody the nation's material loss.
* **"who clothed you in scarlet, with [other] delights":** This clause provides the primary reason for the women's lament. Saul is presented as the benevolent king who provided for their material well-being, specifically in terms of luxurious attire. "Scarlet" and "delights" evoke images of comfort, beauty, and social standing that were presumably enhanced during his reign. This highlights a positive aspect of Saul's leadership, acknowledging his role in the nation's prosperity.
* **"who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel":** This final clause reinforces and expands upon the previous one, emphasizing the extent of the material blessings. The mention of "ornaments of gold" further solidifies the image of a kingdom where luxury was accessible, and women could adorn themselves richly. This detail paints a picture of a flourishing society, making the king's death a profound disruption to their established way of life and a loss of their benefactor.

#### Literary Devices
David's lament in [2 Samuel 1:24](/2_samuel/1-24 "2 Samuel 1:24 - David's Lament Over Saul's Provision") masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its emotional impact and convey its message. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured in the direct address, "Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul," which creates an immediate, personal connection with the audience and imbues the call to mourning with urgency and intimacy. The use of **Metonymy** and **Synecdoche** is evident in "scarlet" and "ornaments of gold," where these specific items of luxury stand in for the broader material prosperity and elevated status enjoyed under Saul's reign. They are tangible symbols of the king's provision and the nation's well-being. Furthermore, the verse employs **Pathos**, appealing directly to the emotions of the "daughters of Israel" and, by extension, all listeners, to evoke a deep sense of grief and loss for the king who had contributed to their comfort and adornment. This emotional appeal makes the lament profoundly moving and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, within David's lament, offers profound theological insights into leadership, the nature of human assessment, and the complexity of God's sovereignty. It reveals David's magnanimity and spiritual maturity, choosing to honor God's anointed king, even his persecutor, by acknowledging the tangible good Saul brought to the nation. The emphasis on material provision reminds us that earthly leaders, even flawed ones, can be instruments of God's common grace, bringing order and prosperity to their people. It also subtly critiques the human tendency to mourn the loss of material comfort more readily than the loss of spiritual leadership or obedience. The lament's focus on what Saul provided for the people underscores the king's role as a steward of the nation's resources and well-being, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature.

* [2 Samuel 1:17](/2_samuel/1-17 "2 Samuel 1:17 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan")
* [Proverbs 31:22](/proverbs/31-22 "Proverbs 31:22 - The Virtuous Woman's Clothing")
* [Isaiah 3:18-24](/isaiah/3-18 "Isaiah 3:18-24 - Judgment on Daughters of Zion's Pride")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 1:24 invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of leadership and the appropriate response to the passing of those who have held authority, even when their legacies are complex. David, despite suffering greatly at Saul's hands, chose to remember and publicly honor the good that Saul had done for the nation. This challenges us to cultivate a spirit of grace and discernment, acknowledging the positive contributions of individuals, even those with whom we have had conflict or who have fallen short in other areas. It reminds us that true leadership often involves providing for the tangible needs and well-being of the people, and that such provision, even if material, can be a source of genuine blessing and a cause for lament when lost. Furthermore, the verse highlights the communal aspect of grief, encouraging us to share in the sorrow of others and to recognize the impact of significant events on the collective. It reminds us that lament is a vital part of processing loss, allowing us to acknowledge pain and honor what was, even as we look forward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate a heart that honors the positive contributions of others, even when we have experienced personal hurt or disagreement with them?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the impact of leadership on the daily lives and material well-being of a community or nation?**
* **In what ways do we, like the "daughters of Israel," sometimes mourn the loss of material comforts or societal stability more than other, perhaps deeper, losses?**
* **How does David's lament, despite Saul's flaws, model a healthy way to process grief for complex figures or situations?**

### FAQ
**Why does David specifically address the "daughters of Israel" and focus on their clothing?**

Answer: David's specific address to the "daughters of Israel" is likely multifaceted. Historically, women were often the most visible bearers of wealth and status through their adornments, making them a poignant symbol of the nation's prosperity. Their fine clothing and gold ornaments were tangible indicators of the kingdom's stability and the king's ability to provide. By calling upon them to mourn, David emphasizes the direct, personal impact of Saul's death on the daily lives and perceived well-being of the populace. It highlights that the loss of the king was not just a political event but a disruption to their way of life and access to luxury.

**Does this verse contradict the Bible's overall portrayal of Saul as a disobedient and troubled king?**

Answer: No, it does not contradict it but rather adds a layer of complexity and nuance. While Saul's reign was indeed marked by disobedience and a tragic end, David's lament demonstrates his profound magnanimity and respect for God's anointed. This verse acknowledges a specific positive aspect of Saul's rule – his role in fostering a period of material prosperity and stability that allowed for such luxuries. It illustrates that even flawed leaders can contribute positively to a nation's well-being, and that grief can encompass a complex blend of emotions and acknowledgments, even for those with whom one had a difficult relationship. David's lament is a testament to his spiritual maturity and his ability to see beyond personal grievances to honor the office and the good that was done.

**What are the "delights" mentioned alongside "scarlet"?**

Answer: The term "delights" (Hebrew: _adaním_) is a broader term that encompasses various luxurious or pleasant things. While "scarlet" refers specifically to expensive dyed fabric, "delights" would include other forms of finery, comforts, or amenities that contributed to a life of ease and opulence. This could refer to other types of fine clothing, perfumes, or perhaps even a general sense of peace and abundance that allowed for such indulgences. It emphasizes that under Saul, the women of Israel enjoyed a quality of life characterized by more than just basic necessities, but by elements of luxury and pleasure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 1:24, with its focus on King Saul's provision of earthly finery and material prosperity, finds its ultimate and infinitely richer fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Saul, as an earthly king, could only offer temporary, perishable adornments like "scarlet" and "ornaments of gold," which, though valuable in their time, ultimately faded and could not prevent the tragic end of his reign or the Philistine victory. In contrast, Christ, the King of Kings, provides spiritual riches and eternal adornment that never perish or fade. He clothes His people not in earthly scarlet, but in the glorious robes of His own righteousness, making them pure and blameless before God ([Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Bride's Fine Linen")). Where Saul offered "delights" that were fleeting, Jesus promises abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")) and spiritual blessings "in heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The lament for a king who provided material goods foreshadows the profound joy and eternal gratitude for the King who provides all things necessary for life and godliness, securing not just temporary comfort but everlasting peace and communion with God ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The earthly king's provision, mourned in its loss, points to the eternal, inexhaustible provision of our heavenly King, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom has no end and whose gifts are imperishable.

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

Isaiah 3:16

¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

Isaiah 3:26

And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she [being] desolate shall sit upon the ground.

Jeremiah 2:32

Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

1 Timothy 2:9

¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:10

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Judges 5:30

Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey; to every man a damsel [or] two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?

1 Peter 3:3

Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;