THE LAMENT OF DAVID OVER SAUL AND JONATHAN 1. There is no break between the two books of Samuel; they really form one continuous narrative. This v. is a continuation of 1 Samuel 30, which describes David's successful attack upon Ziklag. He had not heard of the events narrated in 1 Samuel 31.... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH HIS CLOTHES RENT, etc.] In 1 Samuel 4:12, which describes the arrival of the messenger at Shiloh with tidings of the capture of the ark, these were the same indications that he was the bearer of evil tidings. 8, 9. The Amalekite's account contradicts 1 Samuel 31:4 and is also improbable in its... [ Continue Reading ]
For the practice of wearing signs of royalty, when going into battle, see 1 Kings 22:30. BRACELET] In the Assyrian sculptures warriors are often represented with such ornaments.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The use of_ THE BOW] RV '_the song of_ the bow,' lit. 'the bow.' The text of this v. is doubtful, but if the words are right, 'the bow' will be the title of the lamentation following. There is, however, no warrant for this in Hebrew usage. Some see an allusion to 2 Samuel 1:22, 'the bow of Jonathan... [ Continue Reading ]
FIELDS OF OFFERINGS] fields bearing produce, from which firstfruits are offered. NOT.. ANOINTED WITH OIL] It is doubtful if this refers to Saul or his shield. Shields were greased to preserye the leather and to prevent spears from sticking: cp. Isaiah 21:5.... [ Continue Reading ]
In this figurative language, the bow is represented as drinking the blood of the slain and the sword as eating the fat of the mighty: cp. Deuteronomy 32:42; Isaiah 34:6. TURNED NOT BACK] i.e. empty, as the parallel clause shows.... [ Continue Reading ]
Scarlet.. GOLD] These were the ordinary ornaments of a Hebrew woman: cp. Jeremiah 4:30.... [ Continue Reading ]
O JONATHAN, _thou wast_ SLAIN IN THINE HIGH PLACES] RV 'Jonathan is slain upon thy high places.' The address is to Israel.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WEAPONS OF WAR] The parallel clause shows that these are Saul and Jonathan themselves, regarded as the sword and bow of the nation. It is remarkable that this poem makes no distinction between Saul and Jonathan, but praises the courage, the success, and the patriotism of both alike. The gloomy p... [ Continue Reading ]