2 Samuel 1:4

KJV

And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto him, How {H4100} went the matter {H1697}? I pray thee, tell {H5046} me. And he answered {H559}, That the people {H5971} are fled {H5127} from the battle {H4421}, and many {H7235} of the people {H5971} also are fallen {H5307} and dead {H4191}; and Saul {H7586} and Jonathan {H3083} his son {H1121} are dead {H4191} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell me, please, how did things go?" asked David. "The people have fled the battle," he answered, "and many of them are wounded or dead. Sha'ul and Y'honatan his son are dead too."

Berean Standard Bible

“What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”

American Standard Version

And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, The people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
David, having returned to Ziklag after the Amalekite raid, urgently questions a newly arrived messenger concerning the outcome of Israel's recent battle against the Philistines. The messenger delivers a devastating report: the Israelite army has fled in disarray, a great many soldiers have perished, and most critically, King Saul and his beloved son Jonathan have both been killed. This somber announcement marks a pivotal moment, signaling the end of Saul's tumultuous reign and setting the stage for David's eventual ascension to the throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic arrival of an Amalekite man to David in Ziklag, three days after the catastrophic battle on [Mount Gilboa](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul") where Israel was decisively defeated by the Philistines. David, having been providentially prevented from joining the Philistines in battle (as recounted in [1 Samuel 29](/1_samuel/29 "1 Samuel 29 - David Dismissed by the Philistines")), is now anxious for news regarding the fate of his people and their king. The messenger's report in [2 Samuel 1:4](/2_samuel/1-4 "2 Samuel 1:4 - The Messenger's Report") serves as the direct answer to David's urgent inquiry in [2 Samuel 1:3](/2_samuel/1-3 "2 Samuel 1:3 - David's Inquiry"), setting the stage for David's profound lament and the subsequent actions that establish his kingship over Judah. The narrative carefully structures the revelation of the tragedy, building from the general defeat to the specific, most impactful deaths of Saul and Jonathan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The battle on Mount Gilboa was a significant military engagement that determined the immediate future of Israel. The Philistines, long-standing adversaries, had gained considerable power and territory, pushing Israel to a critical juncture. The death of a king in battle was a catastrophic event, often leading to political instability and potential subjugation. Saul's death, specifically, marked the end of Israel's first monarchy, a kingship that began with great promise but ended in disobedience and tragedy. Culturally, news of such a defeat would have been received with widespread mourning and fear. The messenger's act of tearing his clothes and putting dust on his head (mentioned in [2 Samuel 1:2](/2_samuel/1-2 "2 Samuel 1:2 - The Amalekite's Arrival")) was a common ancient Near Eastern custom signifying profound grief and distress, preparing David for the terrible news he was about to hear.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate themes emerging from [2 Samuel 1:4](/2_samuel/1-4 "2 Samuel 1:4 - The Messenger's Report") include the **consequences of disobedience** (Saul's demise, though not explicitly stated here, is understood in the broader narrative of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel "1 Samuel - The Rise of Monarchy")), the **sovereignty of God** in orchestrating historical events, even through tragedy, and the **transition of leadership**. The deaths of Saul and Jonathan, while devastating, clear the path for David, God's chosen king, to assume the throne, fulfilling the divine promises made to him (as seen in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")). Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **lament and grief**, which will be fully expressed by David in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 1:17-27](/2_samuel/1-17 "2 Samuel 1:17-27 - David's Lament Over Saul and Jonathan")). This initial report sets a somber tone for the beginning of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "2 Samuel - The Reign of David"), a book that chronicles David's reign, marked by both triumph and profound personal and national sorrow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fled (Hebrew, נוּס, _nus'_):** This verb signifies a rapid, panicked flight, often indicative of a rout or complete collapse in battle. It conveys not merely a retreat, but a desperate, unorganized escape from a superior or overwhelming force. Its use here emphasizes the utter defeat and disarray of the Israelite army, highlighting the severity of their loss beyond just casualties.
* **Fallen (Hebrew, נָפַל, _naphal'_):** While _naphal_ can mean simply "to fall," in a military context, it almost invariably refers to dying in battle or being overthrown. It is a stark, direct term that vividly communicates the reality of the battlefield losses. The phrase "fallen and dead" creates a powerful hendiadys, intensifying the sense of finality and the sheer number of fatalities.
* **Dead (Hebrew, מֵת, _meth'_):** This is the most unambiguous term, denoting absolute cessation of life. Its repetition in the messenger's report, especially regarding Saul and Jonathan, underscores the ultimate and irreversible nature of their demise. The bluntness of the word contributes to the shock and gravity of the news.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me."**: This opening clause reveals David's immediate and intense concern. His question is direct and urgent, reflecting the high stakes of the battle and his personal investment in the well-being of Israel and its leaders, despite his strained relationship with Saul. The phrase "I pray thee, tell me" adds a tone of earnest pleading, emphasizing his desire for an unvarnished truth.
* **"And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle,"**: The messenger's response begins with the general state of the Israelite forces. "Fled from the battle" paints a picture of a complete rout, not an orderly retreat, indicating a decisive and humiliating defeat. This sets the stage for the subsequent, more specific, and devastating news.
* **"and many of the people also are fallen and dead;"**: This clause confirms the human cost of the defeat. The phrase "fallen and dead" is a strong expression for heavy casualties, indicating that a significant portion of the Israelite army was annihilated. It adds a layer of tragic detail to the general report of flight, emphasizing the widespread loss of life.
* **"and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also."**: This final, climactic statement delivers the most critical and emotionally impactful news. The deaths of both King Saul and his heir, Jonathan, represent the complete collapse of the existing monarchy and a profound national tragedy. The inclusion of Jonathan, David's beloved friend, makes the news particularly devastating for David personally, foreshadowing his deep lament. The repetition of "dead also" emphasizes the finality and totality of the loss.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Dialogue** to convey crucial information and heighten dramatic tension. David's urgent questioning and the messenger's terse, yet devastating, report drive the narrative forward. The messenger's reply also utilizes **Climax**, building from the general defeat of the army ("fled from the battle") and widespread casualties ("many of the people... fallen and dead") to the most significant and tragic news: the deaths of King Saul and Jonathan. This escalating revelation maximizes the emotional impact. There is also a subtle use of **Emphasis** through repetition, particularly with the word "dead," which is used twice in quick succession at the end of the messenger's report, hammering home the finality of the loss. The starkness of the language, devoid of elaborate description, contributes to the raw, immediate impact of the news.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The devastating news in [2 Samuel 1:4](/2_samuel/1-4 "2 Samuel 1:4 - The Messenger's Report") serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human disobedience and the relentless march of God's sovereign plan. While the immediate context is one of national tragedy and personal grief for David, the deaths of Saul and Jonathan are ultimately part of God's unfolding purpose to establish David as king. This transition, though marked by sorrow, highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, even when they are realized through painful circumstances. It underscores that God's kingdom agenda progresses regardless of human failure or resistance, often bringing an end to one era to usher in another. The lament that follows this news ([2 Samuel 1:17-27](/2_samuel/1-17 "2 Samuel 1:17-27 - David's Lament Over Saul and Jonathan")) demonstrates a godly response to profound loss, acknowledging grief while still trusting in divine providence.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection by God") - Saul's disobedience leading to the kingdom being torn from him.
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down") - God is the one who brings down one and exalts another.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good") - God works all things, even tragic events, for the good of those who love Him.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [2 Samuel 1:4](/2_samuel/1-4 "2 Samuel 1:4 - The Messenger's Report") confronts us with the reality of profound loss and the often-painful transitions of life. David's immediate concern for the welfare of his people and even his adversary, Saul, demonstrates a spirit of compassion and national unity that transcends personal grievances. This passage reminds us that even when God is orchestrating major shifts in our lives or in the world, these transitions can be accompanied by deep sorrow and the end of familiar eras. It calls us to respond to difficult news with a sober mind, acknowledging the impact of tragedy, but also to maintain trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His unfolding plan. We are challenged to cultivate a heart that grieves with those who grieve, even as we discern God's hand moving through the circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react to news of significant loss or unexpected change?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a compassionate heart that grieves with others, even those with whom I have disagreements?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereignty inform my response to tragic or unsettling events in the world or my personal life?**
* **What "eras" in my life might God be bringing to a close, and how can I trust Him through those transitions, even if they are painful?**

### FAQ

**Why was David so concerned about Saul, given their strained relationship?**

Answer: David's concern for Saul, despite years of being hunted and persecuted by him, highlights his deep respect for God's anointed king and his profound love for Israel. David understood that Saul's kingship, though flawed, was divinely ordained. His grief was not merely personal but also national, as the death of a king, especially in battle, represented a significant blow to the nation of Israel. Furthermore, the news included the death of Jonathan, David's dearest friend, which would have amplified his sorrow. David's reaction demonstrates his character as a man after God's own heart, prioritizing national welfare and divine order over personal vendetta, as seen in his refusal to harm Saul even when given the opportunity in [1 Samuel 24](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life") and [1 Samuel 26](/1_samuel/26 "1 Samuel 26 - David Again Spares Saul's Life").

**What is the significance of the messenger being an Amalekite?**

Answer: The messenger being an Amalekite adds a layer of tragic irony and theological significance. The Amalekites were a people under a divine curse, whom Israel was commanded to utterly destroy ([Exodus 17:14-16](/exodus/17-14 "Exodus 17:14-16 - The Lord Will Be at War with Amalek") and [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). Saul's greatest act of disobedience, which led to his rejection as king, was his failure to completely destroy the Amalekites as commanded by God ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). Thus, it is an Amalekite, a remnant of Saul's own disobedience, who brings the news of his demise. This detail subtly underscores the thematic connection between Saul's sin and his ultimate downfall, reinforcing the principle of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic news of King Saul's death in [2 Samuel 1:4](/2_samuel/1-4 "2 Samuel 1:4 - The Messenger's Report") foreshadows the ultimate transition of kingship from a flawed human leader to the perfect, eternal King, Jesus Christ. Saul's reign, marked by human weakness, disobedience, and ultimately, death, stands in stark contrast to the reign of Christ. While Saul's death brought sorrow and a temporary void in leadership, Jesus' death, though seemingly a defeat, was the ultimate victory over sin and death, paving the way for His glorious resurrection and eternal reign ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ Died Once for All")). David, who would succeed Saul, was a "man after God's own heart" ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")), a type of the coming Messiah, the true Son of David. Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly laid down His life, not as a consequence of His own sin, but as a perfect sacrifice for humanity's sin ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His "death" was the necessary prelude to His exaltation, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). Thus, the end of Saul's earthly kingdom points forward to the inauguration of Christ's spiritual and eternal kingdom, where true justice, peace, and unfailing leadership are found in the resurrected King of Kings ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

1 Samuel 4:16

And the man said unto Eli, I [am] he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?

1 Samuel 31:1

¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

1 Samuel 31:6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.

1 Chronicles 10:1

¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

1 Chronicles 10:6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.