Read
David Sings
17David sang a song in memory of Saul and Jonathan, 18 and he ordered his men to teach the song to everyone in Judah. He called it “The Song of the Bow,” and it can be found in The Book of Jashar. This is the song:
19Israel, your famous hero
lies dead on the hills,
and your mighty warriors
have fallen!
20Don't tell it in Gath
or spread the news
on the streets of Ashkelon.
The godless Philistine women
will be happy
and jump for joy.
21Don't let dew or rain fall
on the hills of Gilboa.
Don't let its fields
grow offerings for God.
There the warriors' shields
were smeared with mud,
and Saul's own shield
was left unpolished.
22The arrows of Jonathan struck,
and warriors died.
The sword of Saul cut
the enemy apart.
23It was easy to love Saul
and Jonathan.
Together in life,
together in death,
they were faster than eagles
and stronger than lions.
24Women of Israel, cry for Saul.
He brought you fine red cloth
and jewelry made of gold.
25Our warriors have fallen
in the heat of battle,
and Jonathan lies dead
on the hills of Gilboa.
26Jonathan, I miss you most!
I loved you
like a brother.
You were truly loyal to me,
more faithful than a wife
to her husband.
27Our warriors have fallen,
and their weapons
are destroyed.
Reflect
I recall being hurt by a “brother.” He claimed to believe, live and love the same God as I did and yet he hurt me. And the hurt he caused me was real and unjustified!
I can remember thinking, “One day he will pay for how he hurt me. God, either I or both of us will be able to make him pay! And when he does, I hope they won’t ask me to ever pay him tribute!”
What a horrible attitude!
Such was not David’s attitude. For years he had fled the wrath and ridicule of Saul. And even though David had reason to rejoice in Saul’s death, instead his heart of grace drove him to redemption.
In this tribute which David pronounces on the occasion of Saul’s death, David does nothing but honour the former king of Israel. The citizens of the nation could have been prepared to hear David’s ridicule and rejoicing at the death of his foe but instead they heard the man who was to be their new king utter nothing but honour and praise to Saul and his son Jonathan. David’s heart was filled with grace. That is our challenge in this text.
Respond
When others hurt me and give me just cause to be upset, help me to foster a grace oriented heart that will seek the redemption of their reputation.
Jon Ohlhauser
Jon is currently Provost & VP for Academic Affairs at Crandall University in Moncton, New Brunswick. Jon holds a Ph.D. in Communication and has held various faculty and administrative positions in post-secondary education in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick. He also served as a legislative speech writer in Edmonton, AB for a number of MLA’s. John is married to Jeneanne and has 7 children. Jon enjoys the challenge of living a healthy and active lifestyle and is currently a registered, competitive amateur boxer.