Gospel Reflections #1026: Not about the victory

2 Samuel 1:4 ‘“What is the situation? Tell me,” David said to him. He replied, “The soldiers have fled from the battlefield, and many have fallen and died. King Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”’

This is the scene in which a young Amalekite brings David the tragic news of the deaths in battle of Saul, the first king of Israel, and his son Jonathan.

Far from rejoicing at the death of his adversary Saul, David was deeply grieved and offered a prayer to God.

In the battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, the Israelite army was routed, and Saul fell on his sword and killed himself to avoid the shame of being taken captive.

The Amalekite who brought this report knew that David had spent many years on the run, with his life constantly threatened by Saul.

Therefore, he lied, claiming that he had ‘delivered the final blow to Saul’, and came forward in the hope of receiving a reward from David, who was rejoicing at the enemy’s death. 

Contrary to the reporter’s expectations of a reward, David mourned the defeat of the Lord’s people and the deaths of Saul and his men, fasting until evening and grieving deeply.

David executed that young Amalekite, who had claimed to have killed the king appointed by God, as one who had sinned against God. 

Whether we respect the king appointed by God or fixate on victory and defeat is a question that applies equally to our own lives.

Even whilst believing in God, we sometimes find ourselves focusing on the superiority or inferiority, the wins and losses, right before our eyes, and feel it is only natural to protect ourselves and elevate ourselves.

In our relationship with God, we should always be mindful of patience, forgiveness, humility and service, and seek these things from Him.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.