Lyrics · 2 Samuel
How Are the Mighty Fallen
2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
LyricsPlaying next
About this song
About this song
This song belongs to the 2 Samuel collection. One recording is available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.
- Bible book
- 2 Samuel
- Collection
- 2 Samuel
- Musical styles
- Uncategorized
Named in this songDavidMount GilboaHebron
About the passage
2 Samuel 1: A crown arrives, and David mourns
A messenger reaches Ziklag carrying Saul's crown, bracelet, and a claim that he personally ended the wounded king's life. The royal objects establish that Saul is dead, but they do not settle every detail of the man's account, which differs from the closing report of 1 Samuel. David does not seize on the news as the moment his long struggle has finally paid. He and his men tear their clothes, mourn, weep, and fast for Saul, Jonathan, and Israel. Only after grief comes judgment, and the messenger is condemned by the testimony of his own mouth that he killed the LORD's anointed. The chapter then refuses to end on punishment or accession. David composes a lament to be taught in Judah, praises Saul's strength and gifts, names Jonathan as "my brother," and closes with the repeated cry, "How are the mighty fallen!" A crown has arrived, but David's last possession in the chapter is a song of grief.
Study 2 Samuel 1 in depth2 Samuel 2: Two kings, one people, and a widening wound
David asks the LORD not only whether he should enter Judah but where, and the answer takes him to Hebron rather than straight to a claim over every tribe. Judah anoints him king, while Abner moves Ishbosheth to Mahanaim and establishes Saul's son over Israel. The divided succession soon takes visible form at the pool of Gibeon. Abner proposes that selected young men "play," Joab agrees, and the equal groups kill one another before the contest spreads into a sore battle. Asahel's remarkable speed then becomes the means by which he refuses to break off pursuit of Abner. Twice warned, he continues and is killed, creating a personal blood claim that will survive the day's fighting. At sunset Abner appeals to the fact that the pursuers and pursued are brethren. Joab sounds the trumpet, yet the unequal casualty count and Asahel's burial make clear that stopping the sword has not healed the division.
Study 2 Samuel 2 in depth


