King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:6 in the King James Version says “And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.”

2 Samuel 1:6 · KJV

Context

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

5

And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?

6

And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

7

And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. Here: Heb. Behold me

8

And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.

Read 2 Samuel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

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 · 18 words
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר1 of 18

“him said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַנַּ֣עַר׀2 of 18

“And the young man”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הַמַּגִּ֣יד3 of 18

“that told”

H5046

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

ל֗וֹ4 of 18
H0
נִקְרֹ֤א5 of 18

“by chance”

H7122

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

נִקְרֵ֙יתִי֙6 of 18

“As I happened”

H7136

to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)

בְּהַ֣ר7 of 18

“upon mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הַגִּלְבֹּ֔עַ8 of 18

“Gilboa”

H1533

gilboa, a mountain of palestine

וְהִנֵּ֥ה9 of 18
H2009

lo!

שָׁא֖וּל10 of 18

“behold Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

נִשְׁעָ֣ן11 of 18

“leaned”

H8172

to support one's self

עַל12 of 18
H5921

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

חֲנִית֑וֹ13 of 18

“upon his spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה14 of 18
H2009

lo!

הָרֶ֛כֶב15 of 18

“and lo the chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּבַֽעֲלֵ֥י16 of 18

“and horsemen”

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

הַפָּֽרָשִׁ֖ים17 of 18
H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

הִדְבִּקֻֽהוּ׃18 of 18

“followed hard”

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 28:4Ruth 2:31 Chronicles 10:4-6Luke 10:311 Samuel 31:1-71 Samuel 6:9

Places in This Verse

Mount GilboaMountain · Modern: Mount Gilboa · 32.43°N, 35.41°E8 verses across 3 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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