17David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, 18and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar):
20“Tell it not in Gath,
proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice.
21“Mountains of Gilboa,
may you have neither dew nor rain,
may no showers fall on your terraced fields.b
For there the shield of the mighty was despised,
the shield of Saul—no longer rubbed with oil.
22“From the blood of the slain,
from the flesh of the mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied.
23Saul and Jonathan—
in life they were loved and admired,
and in death they were not parted.
They were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions.
24“Daughters of Israel,
weep for Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet and finery,
who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.
25“How the mighty have fallen in battle!
Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
26I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;
you were very dear to me.
Your love for me was wonderful,
more wonderful than that of women.27“How the mighty have fallen!
The weapons of war have perished!” (2 Samuel 1)
Thoughts: David sang this lament to help him and all Israel grieve for Saul and his good friend Jonathan. David had a code that no one should tough the Lord's anointed- evident in rebuking the Amelekite who helped kill Saul. David grieved for his king, his friend, and his country. He had a respect for the office of king, even though Saul exiled him and tried to kill him. He had a respect for the kingship even though the king was jealous and publicly sinned. David never spoke a mean word against Saul. He only challenged him in his idea that David was out to get Saul. This respect for the office earned him respect later. This lament for Saul also helped unite the country even though there would be a four year civil war between Saul's followers and David's. Sympathy and grace bring unity and hope. We can all learn from this.
Prayer: Lord, help me on this Memorial Day weekend to pray for our leaders. We pray for peace in our world at this crucial time and ask that those who are leading us would have wisdom and that peace will prevail.
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