King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:21 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:21 in the King James Version says “Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 1:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. pleasant: or, sweet


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
הָרֵ֣י1 of 19

Ye mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

בַגִּלְבֹּ֗עַ2 of 19

of Gilboa

H1533

gilboa, a mountain of palestine

אַל3 of 19
H408

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

טַ֧ל4 of 19

let there be no dew

H2919

dew (as covering vegetation)

וְאַל5 of 19
H408

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

מָטָ֛ר6 of 19

neither let there be rain

H4306

rain

עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם7 of 19
H5921

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

וּשְׂדֵ֣י8 of 19

upon you nor fields

H7704

a field (as flat)

תְרוּמֹ֑ת9 of 19

of offerings

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

כִּ֣י10 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֤ם11 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

נִגְעַל֙12 of 19

is vilely cast away

H1602

to detest; by implication, to reject

מָגֵ֣ן13 of 19

for there the shield

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים14 of 19

of the mighty

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

מָגֵ֣ן15 of 19

for there the shield

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

שָׁא֔וּל16 of 19

of Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בְּלִ֖י17 of 19
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

מָשִׁ֥יחַ18 of 19

as though he had not been anointed

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃19 of 19

with oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness


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 1:21 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 1:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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