2 Samuel 1:1-4 Mourning for the Dead

 ”Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had stayed two days in Ziklag, on the third day, behold, it happened that a man came from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. So it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the ground and prostrated himself. And David said to him, “Where have you come from?” So he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” Then David said to him, “How did the matter go? Please tell me.” And he answered, “The people have fled from the battle, many of the people are fallen and dead, and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.”“ ‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

a. After the death of Saul: King Saul and his three sons were killed in battle against the Philistines, dying on the slopes of Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1-8). It was the sad ending of a tragic life, concluding the story of a man who came to the throne humble but left it hardened, bitter against both God and man.

b. When David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites: Towards the end of 1 Samuel, in despair David left the people of God and allied himself with the Philistines. God prevented a complete alliance and brought David back through heartbreaking circumstances (the Amalekitesstole the families and possessions of David and his men). Strengthening himself in God (1 Samuel 30:6), David defeated the Amalekites and brought back everyone and everything.

i. Though David still lived among the Philistines, he was a changed man since his heartbreaking circumstances and since strengthening himself in the LORD.

ii. When David came back triumphantly to Ziklag, he knew a battle between the Philistines and the Israelites had just ended. He certainly was concerned about the outcome of that battle.

c. A man came from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head: David knew this was bad news because the messenger had the traditional expressions of mourning for the dead – clothes torn and dust on his head. Therefore, he immediately reacted with humble mourning.

Mourning For The Dead

”And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,“

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

 A tribute for Mark

Yesterday my brother reported that his neighbor Mark had passed away. 

Alzheimer’s was in his family genetics and he declined quickly. Several days ago he was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and sepsis. Both his sons were by his side. 

I met Mark when he purchased the house next door to my brother and he gave me a hot tub (spa) that was setup in his attached garage. I still get a chuckle when I set it up in my garage and found a shotgun shell that Mark used to plug a water line in the pump compartment! Everyday when we use it I am reminded about Marks gracious gift.

We are mourning for the dead, so please pray for Marks family and his friends because he will be missed.

Blessings