Reading 44 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Monday, October 27, 2025  

Today's Scripture
2 Samuel 1:1–12

After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. On the third day, a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground and did obeisance. David said to him, “Where have you come from?” He said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” David said to him, “How did things go? Tell me!” He answered, “The army fled from the battle, but also many of the army fell and died; and Saul and his son Jonathan also died.” Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan died?” The young man reporting to him said, “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa; and there was Saul leaning on his spear, while the chariots and the horsemen drew close to him. When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, ‘Here sir.’ And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ He said to me, ‘Come, stand over me and kill me; for convulsions have seized me, and yet my life still lingers.’ So I stood over him, and killed him, for I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did the same. They mourned and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. (NRSV)

Reflection

My goodness, how things have changed! Imagine going to the king and admitting that you just murdered the previous king. “King Saul requested it, and I obliged! It was the most merciful thing to do. Seriously, he requested it.” I’m quite certain that would not be appreciated today.

When I read the biblical texts, I automatically imagine those things happening in today’s context. Admittedly, it’s not a great practice, because it rarely translates well. The next thing I do is imagine how the teachings apply to my real life today. That’s probably more faithful.

We have all lived through leadership transitions in our church, our jobs, and in our country. Thankfully, no spears were involved in most of these. Yet there is no shortage of pain in the transitions. When David hears what happened, he grieves. That was and continues to be a faithful response. Change is never easy, and sometimes it’s downright painful. We miss the comfort of established practices. We miss the actual leaders. We are anxious about the unknown.

However, David does not stay in lament and despair. In order for things to move forward towards God’s dream for this world, change is necessary and good. It is faithful to lament what was and also look forward toward God’s kingdom being established here on earth. It is important to both hold onto what was good and make space for new practices, new traditions, and new ways of thinking. The only thing that doesn’t change is the truth that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Prayer

Wondrous God, thank you for the stories of change and transition. Thank you for the timeless truth of your Word. In the midst of change, allow me to hold onto what is true and good and be open to the new paths you set before me. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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