I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1; Psalm 18
How the mighty have fallen!
II Samuel 1:19b, 25a, 27a
David thus laments the passing of Saul and Jonathan. We should note that the grief expressed in David’s song is not only for Jonathan, his closest friend, but also for Saul. David is well aware of Saul’s deep flaws, having been Saul’s prime target for years. But David also recognizes Saul’s strengths and how he has fought valiantly for Israel. David knows that Saul will forever be Israel’s first king, the first of the LORD’s anointed, and he honors him as such. I do not think that this is just a formal salute to a dead king that David is happy to have out of the way. David is genuinely grieved over Saul, and that is worth thinking about.
We likewise should give honor and respect to all those in authority. We may disagree with their political agendas. We may see deep personal character flaws or rampant corruption. We may believe them to be thoroughly unworthy of their office, and we may thus work to remove them from (or keep them from) that office in future elections. But we must also strive to recognize the LORD’s hand in bringing people to positions of authority. Disrespect — and particularly the kind of abusive language we’ve seen over the last several years (from both sides) — is not God’s way. As Saint Peter says, Honor the emperor (I Peter 2:17), which would include any number of very unsavory characters, like Nero and Caligula.
Hmm… Perhaps I am in need of a good deal more repentance.
See also: