2 Samuel 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

After Saul’s death, David stayed in Ziklag for two days. On the third day, a man from Saul's camp approached David with torn clothes and dust on his head, showing respect (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“How the mighty have fallen in the middle of the battle! Jonathan was slain on your high places.”

2 Samuel 1:25 (WEB)

Outline

1. 2 Samuel 1:1–2 David's Mourning Begins
2. 2 Samuel 1:3–6 The Amalekite's Report
3. 2 Samuel 1:7–10 Claim of Killing Saul
4. 2 Samuel 1:11–12 David's Grief
5. 2 Samuel 1:13–16 Judgment on the Amalekite
6. 2 Samuel 1:17–18 David's Lamentation
7. 2 Samuel 1:19–27 The Lament's Content

Discussion questions

1. In v6, why does the Amalekite emphasize his chance encounter with Saul?
2. What does David do in v11 after hearing the news of Saul's death?
3. David's lament in vv. 19-20: what does it imply about the public perception of Saul?
4. In v14, why does David question the Amalekite's actions regarding Yahweh's anointed?
5. Have you ever mourned someone's loss unexpectedly, as David does in v12?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 1: 1 Samuel 31, 1 Chronicles 10, 2 Samuel 3.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 2.