Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read 2 Samuel 1
David mourns for Saul and Jonathan.
2 Samuel records the beginning of new kingship of David. And it begins with short story how David responded to the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan.
An Amalekite ran to report to David the death of King Saul and Jonathan, thinking David would be pleased to hear it. But David killed the Amalekite because he killed God anointed king. David consistently refused to harm Saul or to allow any of his men to do so on the ground that Saul was the Lord’s anointed. Therefore, David punished the Amalekite who was responsible for keeping the law even though he was resident alien. “You are to have the same law for the alien and the native- born. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 24:22)
David often used music to deal with life experience. He lamented for King Saul and Jonathan. In his lamentation David called King Saul the glory of Israel and the mighty (v.19), and he spoke briefly of his personal relationship with Jonathan. “your love to me was wonderful” referred to Jonathan’s loyalty to David against his own best interests.
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people.?
3. What does this passage tell you about yourself and God’s will for you?
