II Samuel 1-2

“How the mighty have fallen!  …. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions” (2:19-23).  While it was no surprise that David mourned his loyal friend Jonathan (v26), no one would have assumed that David would also honor King Saul.  Saul had falsely accused David and tried to murder him, yet David consistently respected “God’s anointed.”  He refused to seize the throne, believing that God would make him king at the right time.

“The Lord’s anointed” (1:14).  David’s respect for King Saul flowed from his love and loyalty to the Lord. Rather than using dishonorable means to gain the throne, David trusted God to fulfill His good purposes.