David kept himself from bitterness
Known as the song of the bow, David wrote this as a tribute to Saul when the news reached him that Saul and Jonathan were slain in the battle on Mount Gilboa. (II Samuel 1:19-27) Though David experienced immense torment from Saul, being exiled, escaping for his life, living in a cave, a refugee, deprived of his wife, family members of David harassed, hunted like an anti-national, and unable to live in peace in the Promised Land. Yet, David refused to be revengeful, bitter, and violent. He refused to attack or assassinate God’s anointed. (I Samuel 24:6)
Beauty David was generous in his heart. David did not kill Saul either with his sword or in his imagination or heart. David was magnanimous to see beauty in Saul, who declared him as his enemy, family’s enemy, dynasty’s enemy, and national enemy.
Do not rejoice David made sure that he neither celebrated the death of Saul nor allowed his loyal troops and the public to rejoice. His army knew the amount of harassment and torture David endured because of Saul, yet they obeyed David’s command.
Everyone should mourn David called the daughters of Israel to mourn for Saul and praise God for the good that Saul had contributed to the building of the Nation of Israel and for its prosperity. Even the mountains and fields should mourn Saul’s death.
Beloved and pleasant David mourned that both Saul and Jonathan were together in life and death. Their military prowess was also eulogized.
Christian testimony David challenges New Testament believers to keep their hearts from resentment, envy, and bitterness, even when others are unworthy of mercy. David had love, and he did not think of evil when he thought about Saul, fulfilling what Paul wrote centuries later. (I Corinthians 13:5) David had the divine love and divine nature to do what Peter expected believers to do: Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8) David’s love could cover or forget the multitude of sins committed by Saul against him.