Study Guide: 2 Samuel 1
*This study guide can be used in conjunction with the message preached on June 22, 2025 during the series Imperfect Heroes.
Pray
Ask God to help you understand the sorrow and honor in David’s response.
Read
2 Samuel 1
Observe
vv. 1–4 | David in Ziklag
After the death of Saul: Saul and his three sons were killed in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1–8). Saul’s life ended in tragedy. Though he started humble, he ended bitter toward both God and others.
When David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites: At the end of 1 Samuel, David, in despair, had aligned himself with the Philistines. But God didn’t let that alliance last. Through painful events—like the Amalekites raiding Ziklag and capturing their families—David was brought back to the Lord. He found strength in God (1 Samuel 30:6), defeated the Amalekites, and recovered everything.
Though David was still living in Philistine territory, he was a changed man after those trials and after turning back to the Lord.
When he returned to Ziklag in victory, he was already anxious about the outcome of the battle between Israel and the Philistines.
A man came from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head: This was a clear sign of mourning. David instantly recognized it as bad news and responded with mourning and humility.
vv. 5–10 | The Amalekite’s story
As I happened by chance to be on Mount Gilboa: Some believe the Amalekite lied. He claimed to have “mercifully” ended Saul’s life after Saul tried to kill himself (1 Samuel 31:4). But he may have just found Saul’s body first and taken the royal items, hoping for a reward.
1 Samuel 31:5 says Saul’s armor bearer saw him die—another reason to believe the Amalekite was lying.
I am an Amalekite: If the story is true, this is deeply ironic. God had commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:2–3). Saul disobeyed—and now an Amalekite claimed to end his life.
Amalek is often used in the Bible as a picture of our sinful, fleshly nature. Here’s how they are similar:
Amalek attacked the weak and weary (Deuteronomy 25:17–18).
Amalek had no fear of God (Deuteronomy 25:17–18).
God declared ongoing war against Amalek (Exodus 17:16).
Amalek is only defeated through prayer and seeking God (Exodus 17:11).
God promised to erase Amalek’s memory (Exodus 17:14).
Joshua (a picture of Jesus) defeated Amalek (Exodus 17:13).
Amalek was once first but would become last (Numbers 24:20).
Amalek joined other enemies against God’s people (Judges 3:13).
Saul’s failure to deal with Amalek brought destruction. In the same way, if we don’t deal with our sinful nature as God calls us to, it can come back to hurt us deeply.
I took the crown… and brought them here to my lord: The Amalekite likely thought David would be thrilled to receive the crown. He expected a reward for “getting rid” of David’s enemy.
vv. 11–12 | David mourns for Saul
David took hold of his own clothes and tore them: Even though Saul had wronged David for years, David mourned deeply for him.
Saul took everything from David—his home, his family, his career, his peace. But David still mourned, showing that bitterness is a choice. David chose to become better, not bitter.
And so did all the men who were with him: David’s men followed his lead. Though they had their own reasons to hate Saul, they chose to mourn as David did.
For Saul and for Jonathan… for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel: David’s grief wasn’t just personal. He mourned for Jonathan, his close friend, but also for Israel and its people, who were now in crisis without a king.
David didn’t make this moment about himself. Even though this opened the door for him to finally become king, his heart was focused on the people and on those who died.
vv. 13–16 | David executes the Amalekite
Where are you from? The Amalekite likely still thought David was going to reward him.
How was it you were not afraid… to destroy the LORD’s anointed? David had chances to kill Saul but refused. He believed it was God’s job alone to remove a leader God had appointed.
Go near, and execute him: David’s grief was genuine. He didn’t honor the Amalekite for killing Saul but instead had him executed.
Your blood is on your own head… There were plenty of reasons we might think the Amalekite is justified:
Saul was rebellious and distant from God.
Saul tried to kill David repeatedly.
Saul was near death anyway.
Saul asked to be killed.
The Amalekite may have just found Saul already dead.
But none of that mattered. Only God has the right to take a life—especially when it concerns someone anointed by God. God is more than able to deal with His own servants.
vv. 17–18 | Introduction to the Song of the Bow
David lamented with this lamentation: His grief was real. He put it into a song to express the depth of his emotions.
The Book of Jasher: This book is also mentioned in Joshua 10:13. It was a collection of Hebrew poetry. But it’s not a “lost book of the Bible.” Just because the Bible refers to other writings doesn’t mean those writings are inspired Scripture. The Bible we have is complete and fully inspired.
vv. 19–27 | David’s Poem: The Song of the Bow
The beauty of Israel is slain: David showed love and grace toward Saul, even in death. He:
Saw something beautiful in Saul.
Didn’t want enemies to rejoice.
Called for mourning everywhere.
Praised Saul as a mighty warrior.
Honored Saul’s loyalty and charm.
Reminded the daughters of Israel of what Saul had done for them.
This shows David kept a clean heart, free from bitterness. He truly lived out 1 Corinthians 13:5 (“love keeps no record of wrongs”) and 1 Peter 4:8 (“love covers a multitude of sins”).
David could love this way because he trusted God. He believed that even when others meant harm, God could use it for good.
How the mighty have fallen: David didn’t say it outright, but we understand Saul’s fall began long before his death. It started when he rejected God and God’s word.
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan: David’s grief over Jonathan is easier to understand. They shared a deep friendship and served God together.
Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women: David’s romantic relationships didn’t reflect God’s plan. Multiple wives kept him from experiencing true one-flesh intimacy. His friendship with Jonathan, however, was deep and godly.
There is no hint of anything sexual here. It was a pure and powerful brotherly love. Today’s culture often assumes deep love must be romantic or sexual—but that’s not true of David and Jonathan.
Credit: Guzik, David. “2 Samuel 1 - David Mourns the Death of Saul.” Enduring Word, n.d., https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-samuel-1.
Apply
1. Choose Grace Over Bitterness
David had every reason to be bitter toward Saul. Saul tried to kill him, took away his family, his home, and his peace. But David mourned Saul’s death and honored his legacy. This shows us that bitterness is a choice—and so is grace. When people wrong you, you don’t have to carry resentment. Ask God for the strength to grieve the loss, forgive the offense, and move forward in grace. Like David, you can honor God even in how you treat your enemies.
2. Deal Decisively with Sinful Patterns
Saul’s failure to fully obey God in destroying the Amalekites eventually came back to haunt him—possibly even contributing to his death at the hands of an Amalekite. In Scripture, Amalek is often a symbol of the flesh or sinful nature. Don’t leave areas of sin untouched in your life. What you tolerate today may grow stronger tomorrow. Bring every area of your life under Christ’s lordship and deal with sin through repentance, accountability, and God’s Word.
3. Honor Others Even in Their Imperfections
David remembered the good in Saul even though Saul’s life ended in failure. He praised Saul’s bravery, leadership, and achievements. This shows a heart that sees the whole person—not just their flaws. People in your life may let you down, but you can still choose to honor them, especially when they’ve held a place of influence. Practice speaking truthfully and graciously about others, even in their absence or after their failures.
Pray (ACTS)
A – Praise God that He is the sovereign King who rules over life and death with perfect justice and mercy.
C – Confess any pride or bitterness you’re holding onto towards another person.
T – Thank God for the faithful friendships you have in your life.
S – Ask Him to show you ways you can honor others even if you don’t agree with them.
DISCUSS
Questions for personal reflection, spiritual insight, or group interaction.
How does David’s reaction to Saul and Jonathan’s deaths challenge the way we typically handle grief and loss?
In what ways do you express grief? Are there healthy or unhealthy patterns you recognize in yourself or even your community?
How can we learn to mourn with compassion, even for those who have wronged us?
Why do you think David was so careful to respect “the Lord’s anointed” even after Saul’s death? How does this apply to our view of leaders today?
What are some ways we can show respect for authority without condoning wrongdoing?
The Amalekite lied about killing Saul, seeking personal gain. How can you guard against dishonesty or manipulation in your own life?
How do we discern truth when faced with conflicting or damaging information?
David composed a lament to honor Saul and Jonathan. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
How can remembering and honoring past leaders or mentors strengthen our faith and community?
David’s lament over Jonathan reveals deep friendship. What qualities make for a godly and lasting friendship?
How can we cultivate relationships that reflect the friendship shown between David and Jonathan?
David waited before taking the throne. What does waiting on God’s timing look like in your own life right now?
How can patience during seasons of waiting build character and faith?
Resources for Further Study of 2 Samuel