King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:20 in the King James Version says “Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the d...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.”

2 Samuel 1:20 · KJV

Context

18

(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) of Jasher: or, of the upright

19

The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

20

Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

21

Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.

22

From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

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 · 15 words
אַל1 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּגִּ֣ידֽוּ2 of 15

“Tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

בְגַ֔ת3 of 15

“it not in Gath”

H1661

gath, a philistine city

אַֽל4 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּבַשְּׂר֖וּ5 of 15

“publish”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

בְּחוּצֹ֣ת6 of 15

“it not in the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

אַשְׁקְל֑וֹן7 of 15

“of Askelon”

H831

ashkelon, a place in palestine

פֶּן8 of 15
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּשְׂמַ֙חְנָה֙9 of 15

“rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּנ֥וֹת10 of 15

“lest the daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים11 of 15

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

פֶּֽן12 of 15
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תַּעֲלֹ֖זְנָה13 of 15

“triumph”

H5937

to jump for joy, i.e., exult

בְּנ֥וֹת14 of 15

“lest the daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הָֽעֲרֵלִֽים׃15 of 15

“of the uncircumcised”

H6189

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 1:101 Samuel 18:6Exodus 15:20-21Judges 11:34Ezekiel 16:271 Samuel 17:26

Places in This Verse

AshkelonSettlement · Modern: Tel Ashkelon · 31.66°N, 34.55°E12 verses across 8 books
Gath 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Safi · 31.70°N, 34.85°E38 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 1 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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