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1 Shortly after Saul died, David returned to Ziklag from his rout of the Amalekites. 17 Then David sang this lament over Saul and his son Jonathan, 18 and gave orders that everyone in Judah learn it by heart. Yes, it's even inscribed in The Book of Jashar. 19 Oh, oh, Gazelles of Israel, struck down on your hills, the mighty warriors - fallen, fallen! 20 Don't announce it in the city of Gath, don't post the news in the streets of Ashkelon. Don't give those coarse Philistine girls one more excuse for a drunken party! 21 No more dew or rain for you, hills of Gilboa, and not a drop from springs and wells, For there the warriors' shields were dragged through the mud, Saul's shield left there to rot. 22 Jonathan's bow was bold - the bigger they were the harder they fell. Saul's sword was fearless - once out of the scabbard, nothing could stop it. 23 Saul and Jonathan - beloved, beautiful! Together in life, together in death. Swifter than plummeting eagles, stronger than proud lions. 24 Women of Israel, weep for Saul. He dressed you in finest cottons and silks, spared no expense in making you elegant. 25 The mighty warriors - fallen, fallen in the middle of the fight! Jonathan - struck down on your hills! 26 O my dear brother Jonathan, I'm crushed by your death. Your friendship was a miracle-wonder, love far exceeding anything I've known - or ever hope to know. 27 The mighty warriors - fallen, fallen. And the arms of war broken to bits. (2 Samuel 1:1; 1:17-27 The Message Bible)
In our continued study of David; when we last left him, he was the newly anointed king of Israel, but he had not yet taken the throne. In fact, though Saul knew his days were limited, he held out hope to make sure his own son, Jonathan, become the king; although Jonathan loved David as a brother and didn't care if he took the throne instead of him. David meanwhile, became quite the warrior winning many military battles, escaping many attempts on his life; finally seeing that both Saul and Jonathan are killed in battle. The loss of his dear friend was more than he could take and orders the nation of Judah to learn the mourning song he composed for Saul and Jonny. The song included the words here in a modern version, "Oh, oh, Gazelles of Israel, struck down on your hills, the mighty warriors - fallen, fallen!" and a curse on the ground denying them rain, and lament for his friend Jonathan. His song honored the fallen. David's lament is a poignant tribute to Saul and Jonathan, highlighting their bravery, strength, and the close bond David shared with Jonathan. Despite the complexities of their relationship, David chooses to remember the positive aspects of Saul and Jonathan's lives. This teaches us the importance of honoring and remembering those who have impacted our lives, regardless of any past conflicts or differences.
His mourning also expressed genuine lament for his loss. David's lament is raw and unfiltered. He doesn't hide his grief or pretend to be unaffected by the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Instead, he openly expresses his sadness, allowing himself to mourn deeply. This reminds us that it's healthy and necessary to express our emotions honestly before God. He invites us to bring our sorrows, frustrations, and even anger to Him, knowing that He understands and cares deeply for us. There is comfort, healing, and strength in our mourning.
PRAYER: Loving God, we come before You with hearts open and raw, just as David did in his lament. Thank You for being a God who listens to our cries and understands our pain. Today, we lift up to You any grief, loss, or sorrow we carry in our hearts. Help us to find comfort and strength in Your presence, knowing that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You hold us in Your loving arms. Give us Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time to remember and honor the lives of loved ones or mentors who have passed away, celebrating their impact on our lives. Allow ourselves to express our emotions before God without reservation, trusting that He hears and understands. Seek solace and strength in spending time with God through prayer, meditation on His Word, and fellowship with other believers.
I love you and I thank God for you,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
