2 Samuel 1:24

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Samuel 1:24 is a poignant line from David's lament over the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan, recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 1. This verse specifically addresses the women of Israel, calling upon them to mourn Saul because of the material prosperity and adornment they enjoyed under his reign.

Context

This verse is part of David’s moving eulogy, often called "The Song of the Bow," delivered after he receives the devastating news of King Saul and Jonathan's deaths in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. Despite the troubled relationship between Saul and David, David expresses profound grief and respect for the fallen king and his beloved friend. In this particular verse, David appeals directly to the "daughters of Israel," highlighting Saul's role in their improved standard of living and access to luxury, thereby emphasizing the extent of their loss.

Key Themes

  • Royal Provision and Prosperity: David acknowledges Saul's role as a king who brought a measure of wealth and material comfort to his people. The mention of "scarlet" and "ornaments of gold" signifies a period where such finery was accessible, suggesting a level of stability and prosperity under Saul's rule, at least in certain aspects.
  • Lamentation and Collective Grief: The verse is a direct call to mourn, underscoring the deep, widespread sorrow felt across the nation. David invites the women, who perhaps most directly benefited from the availability of fine clothing and jewelry, to express their grief publicly and passionately. This communal lament highlights the profound impact of a leader's death on the populace.
  • Acknowledgment of a Leader's Contributions: Even amidst the complex narrative of Saul's reign and his conflict with David, this lament provides a balanced perspective, recognizing the positive contributions Saul made to the nation's well-being and status.

Linguistic Insights

The terms used in this verse paint a vivid picture of luxury:

  • "Scarlet" (Hebrew: shani): This refers to a highly prized and expensive dye, often associated with royalty, wealth, and status. Clothing dyed scarlet was a luxury, signifying opulence and distinction.
  • "Ornaments of gold": This phrase further emphasizes the material prosperity enjoyed by the Israelite women. Gold jewelry was a clear indicator of wealth and social standing, suggesting that under Saul, such adornments became more common or accessible.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers several insights for contemporary reflection:

  • Appreciating Leadership: It reminds us to acknowledge the positive contributions of leaders, even those with whom we might have disagreements or who have flaws. Saul, despite his tumultuous reign, is remembered by David for the tangible benefits he brought to his people.
  • The Impact of Leadership: The specific mention of "daughters of Israel" and their finery illustrates how a leader's decisions and reign can directly affect the daily lives and material well-being of the populace.
  • The Nature of Grief: David's lament teaches us that grief is complex and can encompass acknowledging all aspects of a person's life, including their positive impact, even if their story ended tragically. His sorrow is profound, mourning not just a king, but a provider and a symbol of national pride.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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;
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