King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:2 in the King James Version says “It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and ear...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.”

2 Samuel 1:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

2

It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

3

And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

4

And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. How: Heb. What was, etc

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Learns of Saul's Death, emphasizing honoring God's anointed, genuine grief. The Hebrew terminology emphasizes David's respect for God's anointed (mashiach, מָשִׁיחַ) even after death. David's lament (vv. 19-27) represents some of Scripture's finest poetry, expressing genuine grief without compromising theological truth about Saul's disobedience. Cross-references to 1 Samuel demonstrate narrative continuity while developing themes of covenant faithfulness and proper mourning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 1 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding honoring God's anointed, genuine grief provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of honoring God's anointed, genuine grief?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 22

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗י3 of 22

“It came even to pass on the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

וְהִנֵּה֩4 of 22
H2009

lo!

אִ֨ישׁ5 of 22

“that behold a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּבֹא֣וֹ6 of 22

“and so it was when he came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִן7 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַֽמַּחֲנֶה֙8 of 22

“out of the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

מֵעִ֣ם9 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׁא֔וּל10 of 22

“from Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וּבְגָדָ֣יו11 of 22

“with his clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

קְרֻעִ֔ים12 of 22

“rent”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

וַֽאֲדָמָ֖ה13 of 22

“and earth”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

עַל14 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹאשׁ֑וֹ15 of 22

“upon his head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַֽיְהִי֙16 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּבֹא֣וֹ17 of 22

“and so it was when he came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל18 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔ד19 of 22

“to David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל20 of 22

“that he fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אַ֖רְצָה21 of 22

“to the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ׃22 of 22

“and did obeisance”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 1:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 1:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 4:122 Samuel 4:10Joshua 7:61 Samuel 25:23Genesis 22:4Revelation 3:9

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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