Urban Word Bible
2 Samuel 1
Read 2 Samuel 1 in clear, relatable modern language.
David Hears the News
1 After Saul died, David came back from killing Amalekites and chilled in Ziklag for two days.
2 On the third day, a man came from Saul’s camp, clothes ripped, dirt on his head. He fell in front of David, bowing low.
3 David asked, “Where you from?” He said, “I ran from Israel’s camp.”
4 David said, “Tell me what happened.” He said, “The army ran, many died. Saul and his son Jonathan are dead.”
The Amalekite Tells His Story
5 David said, “How do you know Saul and Jonathan are dead for real?”
6 The man said, “I just happened to be on Mount Gilboa. Saul was leaning on his spear, surrounded by chariots and riders closing in.”
7 “He looked back and saw me and called out. I said, ‘Yes, sir,’”
8 “He asked, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I am an Amalekite.’”
9 “Then he said, ‘Come here and finish me. I am hurt bad, but still alive.’”
10 “So I did it, I knew he was not making it. I took his crown and arm band and brought them here to you, my lord.”
David Mourns Saul and Jonathan
11 David ripped his clothes, so did all his guys.
12 They cried, fasted, and mourned all day for Saul, Jonathan, and the soldiers of Israel who had fallen.
David Judges the Amalekite
13 David asked the man, “Where you from again?” He said, “I am the son of an Amalekite immigrant.”
14 David said, “You were not scared to lay hands on the Lord’s anointed,”
15 He told one of his men, “Run this dude through.” And the guy struck him down.
16 David said, “You did this to yourself. Your own mouth said you killed the king.”
David’s Lament Song
17 David sang a song of mourning for Saul and Jonathan.
18 He ordered it to be taught to all Judah, it is called the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar.
The Song: How the Mighty Fell
19 “Israel’s glory, gone in battle. Your best warriors dropped on your hills.”
20 “Do not let Gath or Ashkelon hear this, Do not give Philistines a reason to cheer.”
21 “Mountains of Gilboa, no rain, no crops. The shield of the mighty is stained. Saul’s shield is not been oiled, it is broken.”
22 “From Jonathan’s bow to Saul’s sword, Blood ran heavy, enemies dropped every time.”
23 “Saul and Jonathan, loved and respected. In life and death, they were never apart. Faster than eagles, stronger than lions.”
24 “Daughters of Israel, cry for Saul, He clothed you all in luxury and gold.”
25 “How the mighty have fallen in battle. Jonathan lies dead on your heights.”
26 “I am crushed over you, Jonathan. You were more than a brother, Your love hit different, deeper than romance.”
27 “How the mighty have fallen. The weapons of war are gone.”