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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 1:12 They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/1-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/10_2Sa_01_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 1:12 - David Learns of Saul's Death" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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because they were fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they lamented and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the people of Yahweh and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan his son, and for the LORD’S people and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword [in battle].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They mourned, wept, and fasted until the evening for those who died by the sword—for Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD’s people, and the house of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They mourned, wept, and fasted until the evening for those who died by the sword—for Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD&#8217s people, and the house of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Jehovah, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They cried all day long and would not eat anything. Everyone was sad because Saul, his son Jonathan, and many of the LORD's people had been killed in the battle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They mourned, cried, and fasted until evening because Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD's army, and the nation of Israel had been defeated in battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They grieved and mourned and fasted until evening for Saul and Jonathan and for Israel, the people of the LORD, because so many had been killed in battle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They mourned and wept, and then decided to fast until dusk for Saul, for his son Jonathan, for the army of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen in battle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They lamented and wept and fasted until evening because Saul, his son Jonathan, the LORD's people, and the house of Israel had fallen by the sword. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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 were fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They mourned, wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they mourn, and weep, and fast until the evening, for Saul, and for his son Jonathan, and for the people of YHWH, and for the house of Israel, because they have fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they mourn, and weep, and fast till the evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Jehovah, and for the house of Israel, because they have fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will mourn and weep, and fast, even till the evening, for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Jehovah and for the house of Israel, because they fell by the sword.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And 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 were fallen by the sword. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening, over Saul and over his son Jonathan, and over the people of the Lord and over the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They mourned and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they mourned and they wept and they fasted until evening for Shaul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of LORD JEHOVAH, and for the sons of Israel who fell by the sword<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they wailed, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they lamented, and wept, and fasted till evening, for Saul and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of Juda, and for the house of Israel, because they were smitten with the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/1-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=100" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/1.htm">David Learns of Saul's Death</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5594.htm" title="5594: way·yis·pə·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts; generally to lament; by implication, to wail.">They mourned</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: way·yiḇ·kū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">and wept</a> <a href="/hebrew/6684.htm" title="6684: way·yā·ṣu·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">and fasted</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/6153.htm" title="6153: hā·‘ā·reḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Evening. From arab; dusk.">evening</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">his son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am (N-msc) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">and for the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">and the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄ə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">they had fallen</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: be·ḥā·reḇ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">by the sword.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered. “I am an Amalekite.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">1 Samuel 31:13</a></span><br />Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-2</a></span><br />Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">2 Samuel 3:31-32</a></span><br />Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. / When they buried Abner in Hebron, the king wept aloud at Abner’s tomb, and all the people wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">2 Samuel 3:35</a></span><br />Then all the people came and urged David to eat something while it was still day, but David took an oath, saying, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-1.htm">2 Samuel 19:1-4</a></span><br />Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-12.htm">1 Chronicles 10:12</a></span><br />all their men of valor set out and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-1.htm">1 Chronicles 10:1-2</a></span><br />Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a></span><br />Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a></span><br />Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-33.htm">John 11:33-35</a></span><br />When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-10.htm">Genesis 50:10</a></span><br />When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Judges 20:26</a></span><br />Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Esther 4:3</a></span><br />In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20-21</a></span><br />Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, / saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13,14</a></b></br> But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing <i>was</i> sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a></b></br> Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/9-1.htm">Jeremiah 9:1</a></b></br> Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/29-6.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-17.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-5.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-19.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/numbers/11-20.htm">Wailed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-4.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-19.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-35.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-19.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-17.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-17.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-24.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-22.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Wailed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-24.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-16.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-32.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/1-1.htm">The Amalekite who accused himself of Saul's death is slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/1-17.htm">David laments Saul and Jonathan with a song</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They mourned and wept and fasted until evening</b><br>This phrase highlights the deep sorrow and lamentation expressed by David and his men upon hearing the news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. Mourning, weeping, and fasting were traditional expressions of grief in ancient Israelite culture, signifying a profound sense of loss and respect for the deceased. Fasting until evening indicates a full day of mourning, showing the depth of their sorrow. This practice is consistent with other biblical accounts of mourning, such as in <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">1 Samuel 31:13</a>, where the people of Jabesh-gilead fasted for seven days after retrieving Saul's body. The act of fasting is also a form of humbling oneself before God, seeking His comfort and guidance in times of distress.<p><b>for Saul and his son Jonathan</b><br>Saul, the first king of Israel, and his son Jonathan, David's close friend, were both killed in battle against the Philistines. Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David's lamentation for Saul demonstrates his respect for Saul's anointed position as king. Jonathan's death was particularly personal for David, as their friendship was marked by a covenant of loyalty and love (<a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a>). This mourning reflects the complexity of David's relationship with Saul and Jonathan, balancing personal grief with national loss.<p><b>and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel</b><br>The phrase "people of the LORD" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were in covenant with Him. The "house of Israel" signifies the collective tribes of Israel, emphasizing the national tragedy of losing their king and prince. This mourning extends beyond personal loss to encompass the broader implications for the nation. The defeat by the Philistines was not just a military loss but also a spiritual and communal crisis, as it threatened the stability and unity of Israel.<p><b>because they had fallen by the sword</b><br>This phrase indicates the cause of death—battle against the Philistines. The defeat was a significant event, marking a moment of vulnerability for Israel. The phrase "fallen by the sword" is a common biblical expression for death in battle, seen in other scriptures such as <a href="/1_samuel/31.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-6</a>. It underscores the reality of war and its consequences, serving as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israel and its enemies. This loss also foreshadows the eventual rise of David as king, as he would later unite the tribes and establish a period of relative peace and prosperity for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed king of Israel, who deeply mourns the death of Saul and Jonathan despite Saul's pursuit to kill him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, whose death marks the end of his troubled reign and the beginning of David's kingship.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>Saul's son and David's close friend, known for his loyalty and covenant with David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_the_lord.htm">The People of the LORD</a></b><br>Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who suffered a significant loss in battle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_israel.htm">The House of Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel, which is in mourning due to the defeat and loss of their leaders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_depth_of_grief.htm">The Depth of Grief</a></b><br>David's mourning shows that grief is a natural and profound response to loss, even when the deceased was an adversary. Christians are encouraged to express their grief and seek comfort in God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_god's_anointed.htm">Respect for God's Anointed</a></b><br>Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David's respect for Saul as God's anointed king is evident. This teaches us to respect those in authority, recognizing God's sovereignty in their appointment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_friendship.htm">The Value of Friendship</a></b><br>David's lament for Jonathan highlights the importance of godly friendships. Christians should cultivate and cherish relationships that are rooted in mutual respect and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/n/national_mourning_and_intercession.htm">National Mourning and Intercession</a></b><br>The mourning for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel underscores the importance of interceding for our nation and community, especially in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fasting_as_a_spiritual_discipline.htm">Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline</a></b><br>The act of fasting in mourning demonstrates its role as a spiritual discipline that can accompany prayer and reflection during times of sorrow.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_this_mindset_present_in_you.htm">What does 'How the mighty have fallen' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'a_time_to_mourn_and_dance'.htm">What is the meaning of "A Time to Mourn and Dance"?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'profitable_for_reproof'_mean.htm">What lessons do Saul, Jonathan, and David's lives teach?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jesus'_view_on_fasting_differ.htm">Mark 2:18–22 – Why does Jesus’ stance on fasting differ so greatly from Jewish customs, and does this contradict Old Testament laws? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">They mourned.</span>--On hearing the tidings of the Amalekite, David and all his people showed the usual Oriental signs of sorrow by rending their clothes, weeping, and fasting. Although David thus heard of the death of his persistent and mortal enemy, and of his own consequent accession to the throne, yet there is not the slightest reason to doubt the reality and earnestness of his mourning. The whole narrative shows that David not only, as a patriotic Israelite, lamented the death of the king, but also felt a personal attachment to Saul, notwithstanding his long and unreasonable hostility. But Saul did not die alone; Jonathan, David's most cherished friend, fell with him. At the same time, the whole nation over which David was hereafter to reign received a crushing defeat from their foes, and large numbers of his countrymen were slain. It has been well remarked that the only deep mourning for Saul, with the exception of the men of Jabesh-gilead, came from the man whom he had hated and persecuted as long as he lived.<p><span class= "bld">The people of the Lord.</span>--Besides his personal grief, David had both a religious and a patriotic ground for sorrow. The men who had fallen were parts of that Church of God which he so earnestly loved and served, and were also members of the commonwealth of Israel, on whose behalf he ever laboured with patriotic devotion. The LXX., overlooking this distinction, has very unnecessarily changed "people of the Lord" into "people of Judah."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They mourned, and wept, and fasted.</span> The sight of Saul's royal insignia was clear proof of Israel's disaster; and this sorrow of David and his men shows how true their hearts were to their country, and how unbearable would have been their position had not the prudence of the Philistine lords extricated them from the difficulty in which they had been placed by David's want of faith. But David had other reasons besides patriotism for sorrow. Personally he had lost the truest of friends, and even Saul had a place in his heart for he would contrast with his terrible death the early glories of his reign, when all Israel honoured him as its deliverer from the crushing yoke of foreign bondage, and when David was himself one of the most trusty of his captains. Otto von Gerlach compares David thus weeping over the fall of his implacable enemy with David's Son weeping over Jerusalem, the city whose inhabitants were his bitter foes, and who not only sought his death, but delivered him up to the Romans, to be scourged and spitefully intreated, and slain upon the cross. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/1-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They mourned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּסְפְּדוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yis·pə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5594.htm">Strong's 5594: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tear the hair and beat the breasts, to lament, to wail</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wept</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְכּ֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·kū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> </span><span class="str2">To weep, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fasted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּצֻ֖מוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ṣu·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6684.htm">Strong's 6684: </a> </span><span class="str2">To abstain from food, fast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evening</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֑רֶב</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ā·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evening</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֞וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his son</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹנָתָ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and for the people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the house</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they had fallen</span><br /><span class="heb">נָפְל֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·p̄ə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the sword.</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּחָֽרֶב׃</span> <span class="translit">(be·ḥā·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/1-12.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 1:12 And they mourned and wept and fasted (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 1:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>