So David asked himDavid, the anointed king of Israel, is speaking to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul. This interaction occurs after the death of Saul, Israel's first king, and Jonathan, his son, in battle against the Philistines. David's question reflects his deep respect for God's chosen leaders, despite Saul's previous attempts to kill him. This moment highlights David's character and his adherence to God's authority, setting a precedent for leadership that values divine appointment over personal ambition.
“Why were you not afraid
David's question implies a moral and spiritual expectation that reverence for God's anointed should instill fear or respect. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings were often seen as divinely appointed, and to harm them was to challenge divine authority. This reflects a broader biblical principle seen in passages likeRomans 13:1-2, which emphasizes submission to governing authorities as instituted by God.
to lift your hand
The phrase "lift your hand" is a Hebrew idiom for taking action, particularly violent action. It suggests a deliberate and conscious decision to harm. In biblical narratives, the hand often symbolizes power and action, as seen inExodus 15:6, where God's hand is described as powerful and victorious. Here, it underscores the gravity of the Amalekite's claim to have killed Saul.
to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”
The term "the LORD’s anointed" refers to Saul, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel as king over Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). Anointing with oil was a sacred act signifying God's choice and empowerment for leadership. This concept of anointing is a type of Christ, the Messiah, which means "Anointed One." David's respect for Saul, despite Saul's failings, foreshadows the ultimate respect and reverence due to Jesus Christ, God's anointed Savior. David's refusal to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity, is a testament to his understanding of God's sovereignty and the sanctity of God's chosen leaders.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart after God and his complex life of triumphs and failures. In this passage, he is responding to the news of King Saul's death.
2.
The AmalekiteA young man who claimed to have killed Saul, expecting a reward from David. His actions and words are central to the unfolding of this account.
3.
SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by God but later rejected due to disobedience. His death marks a significant transition in Israel's history.
4.
The LORD’s AnointedA term used to describe someone chosen by God for a specific purpose, in this case, King Saul. It underscores the sacredness of God's chosen leaders.
5.
Mount GilboaThe location where Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines, setting the stage for the events in this chapter.
Teaching Points
Respect for God’s AnointedDavid’s reaction highlights the importance of respecting those whom God has placed in positions of authority, even when they are flawed.
The Fear of the LordThe Amalekite’s lack of fear in killing Saul contrasts with David’s reverence for God’s anointed, teaching us about the importance of fearing God in our actions.
Integrity in LeadershipDavid’s consistent respect for Saul, despite Saul’s pursuit of him, demonstrates integrity and faithfulness to God’s principles.
God’s Sovereignty in LeadershipRecognizing that God appoints leaders, and our role is to respect and pray for them, trusting in God’s ultimate plan.
Consequences of DisobedienceThe Amalekite’s fate serves as a warning about the consequences of taking matters into our own hands and acting against God’s will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 1:14?
2.Why did David question the Amalekite's lack of fear in 2 Samuel 1:14?
3.How does 2 Samuel 1:14 emphasize the sanctity of God's anointed?
4.What lessons on respecting authority can we learn from 2 Samuel 1:14?
5.How does this verse connect to Romans 13:1 about respecting leaders?
6.How can we apply David's respect for God's anointed in our lives today?
7.Why did David question the Amalekite's actions in 2 Samuel 1:14?
8.How does 2 Samuel 1:14 reflect on the sanctity of God's anointed?
9.What historical context explains David's reaction in 2 Samuel 1:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 1?
11.2 Samuel 1:13–16: Why would David execute the Amalekite based solely on his own confession with no corroborating witnesses?
12.(2 Samuel 16:10–12) Does David’s acceptance of Shimei’s cursing contradict other texts where blasphemy or cursing of God’s anointed is forbidden?
13.2 Samuel 1:1–10: How can Saul’s death be attributed to both his own sword (1 Samuel 31) and an Amalekite’s actions without contradiction?
14.How can 1 Chronicles 10’s account that Saul died by falling on his own sword (1 Chronicles 10:4) be reconciled with 2 Samuel 1:10, where an Amalekite claims to have killed him?What Does 2 Samuel 1:14 Mean
So David asked himDavid’s very first move after hearing the Amalekite’s story (2 Samuel 1:3–10) is to seek clarification. He refuses to act on raw emotion or rumor.
•2 Samuel 1:13–14 shows David exercising discernment before judgment, echoingProverbs 18:13—“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him”.
• This careful questioning reflects his consistent regard for justice (see2 Samuel 4:9–12) and his desire to act in line withDeuteronomy 19:15, which requires clear testimony before punishment.
• David’s example calls believers to test every report (1 Thessalonians 5:21) rather than react rashly.
Why were you not afraidDavid highlights the missing element in the Amalekite’s heart: the fear of God.
•Psalm 33:8 urges all the earth to “fear the LORD”; failing to do so invites judgment.
• The midwives ofExodus 1:17 “feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them.” Their reverence preserved life, whereas the Amalekite’s irreverence cost him his own.
• David himself had demonstrated this godly fear twice, refusing to harm Saul when he had the chance (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9).
To lift your handThe phrase points to deliberate, personal action.
• “Lift your hand” is an idiom for striking or taking violent initiative (Isaiah 1:15).
• In1 Samuel 26:11 David said, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed”. He believed that human hands must not usurp divine prerogative.
•Romans 12:19 echoes this principle: “Do not avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
To destroy the LORD’s anointed?“Anointed” (Hebrew mashiach) marks Saul as God’s chosen king.
• Saul was anointed by Samuel at God’s command (1 Samuel 10:1), making him sacred in office even after his failures.
•Psalm 105:15 warns, “Do not touch My anointed ones; do no harm to My prophets.”
• By attacking Saul, the Amalekite assaulted God’s established authority, inviting divine retribution (Romans 13:1–2).
• David’s respect for the anointed anticipates the ultimate “Anointed One,” Christ (Psalm 2:2;Acts 4:26–27); to oppose God’s chosen king is to oppose God Himself.
summaryDavid probes the Amalekite because he recognizes a sacred boundary: no one may presumptuously harm the person whom God has set apart. His question exposes the messenger’s lack of godly fear, willful violence, and disregard for divine authority. The verse teaches that reverence for God’s appointments, patient trust in His timing, and refusal to seize vengeance are non-negotiable for faithful believers.
(14)
How wast thou not afraid?--David now turns to the Amalekite. It does not matter whether he fully believed his story or not, the man must be judged by his own account of himself. (See
2Samuel 1:16.) Regicide was not in David's eyes merely a political crime; he had showed on more than one occasion of great temptation (
1Samuel 24:6;
1Samuel 26:9;
1Samuel 26:11;
1Samuel 26:16) that he considered taking the life of "the Lord's anointed" as a religious offence of the greatest magnitude. It was an especially grievous thing for a foreigner and an Amalekite thus to smite him whom God had appointed as the monarch of Israel.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Davidדָּוִ֑ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesseaskedוַיֹּ֥אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayhim,אֵלָ֖יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to“Whyאֵ֚יךְ(’êḵ)Interjection
Strong's 349:How?, how!, wherewere you notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noafraidיָרֵ֔אתָ(yā·rê·ṯā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightento liftלִשְׁלֹ֙חַ֙(liš·lō·aḥ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outyour handיָֽדְךָ֔(yā·ḏə·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A handto destroyלְשַׁחֵ֖ת(lə·ša·ḥêṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7843:Perhaps to go to ruinthe LORD’sיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelanointed?”מְשִׁ֥יחַ(mə·šî·aḥ)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4899:Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah
Links
2 Samuel 1:14 NIV2 Samuel 1:14 NLT2 Samuel 1:14 ESV2 Samuel 1:14 NASB2 Samuel 1:14 KJV
2 Samuel 1:14 BibleApps.com2 Samuel 1:14 Biblia Paralela2 Samuel 1:14 Chinese Bible2 Samuel 1:14 French Bible2 Samuel 1:14 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Samuel 1:14 David said to him How were you (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
