Joel M Bradshaw

11Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. 12And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.–2 Samuel 1

“But I [Jesus] say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44)

1. Saul had tormented David for years and fully opposed him.
2. Hearing the news of Saul’s death caused David not to celebrate.
3. David’s never did seize Saul’s throne by force, even though he was the next anointed king.
4. David instead waited and trusted God.
5. The death of Saul, the king who God once anointed, was a time of sorrow for David.
6. We get the impression that David had the attitude that Jesus would later command in Matthew 5 (above).
7. Love your enemies, pray for them, seek God’s blessing for them. Mourn when it is appropriate to mourn. Celebrate when it is appropriate to celebrate. All for God’s glory. My goodness, especially in this politically-divided world.–JMB