David Mourning in the Samuel Narratives

The Bible records three instances where David mourns publicly when it would have been more appropriate for him to mourn privately. In 2 Sam 1:11–27, David mourns upon learning of Saul’s death. While he was right to recognize and honor the anointed status of Israel’s first king, David’s public mourning of Saul disrespected David’s men, who suffered with him throughout his wilderness wanderings. Furthermore, Saul attempted to kill David on at least 16 different occasions e.g., 1 Sam 16:21).

In Second Samuel 3:31–35, David publicly mourns for Abner, a man who was his avowed enemy a few days prior. Not only had Abner killed David’s men (see 2 Sam 2:30)—David himself pronounced a death sentence on Abner in 1 Samuel 26:16. Through this display of mourning, David attempted to exonerate himself of any wrongdoing regarding Abner’s death. His actions showed a lack of respect for his troops.

The final instance appears in 2 Samuel 18:33–19:8, when David mourns after learning of the death of Absalom, his firstborn son (who had attempted to seize David’s throne). Joab rebukes David for mourning Absalom’s death (see 2 Sam 19:1–8); David should have mourned privately for his son rather than in the presence of his army. Joab furthers his rebuke of David by stating that he loves those who hate him (Absalom) and hates those who love him (his army; 2 Sam 19:6). Mourning publicly for his enemies shamed those who had saved his life.

Matthew M. Whitehead