Second Book of Samuel
Chapter 1
1. After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 1)
Oh God my Father, the loss of a loved one or friends creates a strong feeling of loss on us. Different people handle this experience in different ways. There are those who accept it as being the will of God, while there are others who do not accept it, but rebel against You and even against themselves. Others may keep on wondering if there could have been anything else that could have been done, or done better to prevent the death and may even experience an episode of guilt. I, therefore, pray for such people because this is a very difficult period in one's life to experience Amen I pray for those who are still stuck in the stage of bereavement Amen.
2. 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. 3. David said to him,"Where have you come from?"He said to him, "I have escaped from the camp of Israel." 4. 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."
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 2 to 4)
Oh God my Father how do we react to bad news, and how much can we bear as humans. You Yourself as a human felt sorry for the death of Your friend Lazarus. When experiencing death or grief everybody reacts and behaves differently. I pray oh God my Father that when experiencing such a moment we welcome it with joy because that person is now reunited with You, and therefore this is not a moment of sadness but of joy Amen.
5. Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him,"How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan died?"6. 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. 7. When he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. I answered, 'Here sir,' 8. And he said to me, 'Who are you? I answered him, 'I am an Amalekite.' 9. He said to me, 'Come, stand over me and kill me; for convulsions have seized me, and yet my life still lingers.' 10. 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."
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 5 to 10)
Oh God my Father at times we find ourselves talking to others, while at the same time, we experience that gut feeling that the person is either lying or not saying the whole truth about a given situation as in the case of the Amalekite who at first simply admitted that Saul had died but not that he killed him himself. Moreover, these verses raise up a very important issue that I would like to share with You oh God. Only You have the authority of giving life and even that of taking it, however as in the case of the Amalekite and even some doctors have been ascribed the authority of deciding if a life is to be saved or not as in the case of having to choose between giving birth or aborting ta baby who may end up putting the life of the mother by its same birth, or the switching of a life supporting machine on the premise that nothing else can be done, and thus eliminating the possibility of prayer and Your divine intervention. When doing so we are taking on ourselves the authority of God, as also is the case of declaring a marriage as being null, a marriage that was pledged in Your presence and that which You strictly said that it was for life and was sealed by a promise Amen.
11. Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did the same. 12. 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.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 11 to 12)
Oh God, I also wish to join in mourning with many in the world, for the innocent victims of terrorist attacks, for many who are dying by means of terminal illness and an extreme lack of resources leading to a life of poverty and death as a consequence. However I also wish to include in my prayers those of us who are spiritually dead, for this death is also terminal, because it involves the harm of the soul which is more dangerous than that of the body because our souls are immortal and remain alive. I pray oh God my Father that You continue to shower Your loving mercy and giving us the much-needed consolation and blessing Amen.
13. David said to the young man who had reported to him, "Where do you come from?" He answered, "I am the son of a resident alien, an Amalekite" 14. David said to him, "Where you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?"
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 13 to 14)
Oh God during our times You may also accuse us of accusing priests of child abuse when in truth there may have been only allegations or intentions of getting the priest into trouble. I pray for all consecrated people and even those such as catechists or others working among us so that You protect them from all acts of scandal and abuses so that nobody will have nothing but positive words to say about them Amen
15. Then David called one of the young men and said, "Come here and strike him down." So he struck him down and he died.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 15)
Oh God, my Father, many have tried to cover themselves of committing murder under the premise that one was only following orders, however, murder is still murder and it is still against Your Will. I pray oh God my Father that we obey You and Your orders as much as we obey the rules and orders of the masters of the world Amen.
16. David said to him, "Your blood be on your head; for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ' I have killed the LORD's anointed.'"
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 16)
Oh God my Father many times we are afraid of 'Judgement Day' because of the thought that You are going to judge us, however, before appearing before You, our conscience is already judging us and showing us what we are guilty of. Therefore in a way, we are prepared and made aware of those issues that still need working on and while we are still alive You have given us the opportunity and grace to work on ourselves so that we may overcome those issues and stand victorious on Your right hand Amen. May we all pass these tests my God and Father Amen.
17. David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18. (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.)
((Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 17 to 18)
Oh God, my Father thank You for inspiring David and others to compile books for if this had not done we would not have the Bible by which we can give Your praise and worship Amen. Even though books such as the 'Book of Jashar are not found in the Bible, we have the 'Book of Psalms' in which the prayer songs of David can be found Amen.
Oh God my Father I thank You for inspiring me to browse for the Song of the Bow as found in the book of Jashar;
The Song of the Bow
11. Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them; and all the men who were with him did the same. 12. 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.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 11 to 12)
Oh God, I also wish to join in mourning with many in the world, for the innocent victims of terrorist attacks, for many who are dying by means of terminal illness and an extreme lack of resources leading to a life of poverty and death as a consequence. However I also wish to include in my prayers those of us who are spiritually dead, for this death is also terminal, because it involves the harm of the soul which is more dangerous than that of the body because our souls are immortal and remain alive. I pray oh God my Father that You continue to shower Your loving mercy and giving us the much-needed consolation and blessing Amen.
13. David said to the young man who had reported to him, "Where do you come from?" He answered, "I am the son of a resident alien, an Amalekite" 14. David said to him, "Where you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?"
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 13 to 14)
Oh God during our times You may also accuse us of accusing priests of child abuse when in truth there may have been only allegations or intentions of getting the priest into trouble. I pray for all consecrated people and even those such as catechists or others working among us so that You protect them from all acts of scandal and abuses so that nobody will have nothing but positive words to say about them Amen
15. Then David called one of the young men and said, "Come here and strike him down." So he struck him down and he died.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 15)
Oh God, my Father, many have tried to cover themselves of committing murder under the premise that one was only following orders, however, murder is still murder and it is still against Your Will. I pray oh God my Father that we obey You and Your orders as much as we obey the rules and orders of the masters of the world Amen.
16. David said to him, "Your blood be on your head; for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ' I have killed the LORD's anointed.'"
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 16)
Oh God my Father many times we are afraid of 'Judgement Day' because of the thought that You are going to judge us, however, before appearing before You, our conscience is already judging us and showing us what we are guilty of. Therefore in a way, we are prepared and made aware of those issues that still need working on and while we are still alive You have given us the opportunity and grace to work on ourselves so that we may overcome those issues and stand victorious on Your right hand Amen. May we all pass these tests my God and Father Amen.
17. David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18. (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.)
((Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 17 to 18)
Oh God, my Father thank You for inspiring David and others to compile books for if this had not done we would not have the Bible by which we can give Your praise and worship Amen. Even though books such as the 'Book of Jashar are not found in the Bible, we have the 'Book of Psalms' in which the prayer songs of David can be found Amen.
Oh God my Father I thank You for inspiring me to browse for the Song of the Bow as found in the book of Jashar;
The Song of the Bow
19. Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen!
((Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 19)
Oh God as in the case of Saul I offer this prayer for all of those who have been the victims of war or even terrorist groups and thus having met an untimely death. I pray that we will be found ready when it is our turn to leave this world Amen.
20. Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God, my Father, our greatest enemy is the evil spirit that takes much pleasure when circumstances do not go according to our plans, so much that we might feel discouraged and even take it to You my God and Father. There will be joy in the camp of the enemy when we decide to stop believing in You. Therefore let us place our trust in You, my God and Father so that the enemy will not have anything to rejoice and exult about Amen.
21. You mountain of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God, my Father may all places where abuse has taken place, such as in child abuse or slavery or domestic violence of men and women be consecrated with your love and mercy so that the poison of the evil one be eliminated. You can the remove the sting or venom of the servant and replace it with love faith and kindness Amen.
22. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 22)
Oh God my Father as in the case of Saul and Jonathan who never turned in cowardice before the enemy but were always successful and never returned empty handed, we are also not to appear empty-handed before You, my God and Father. Our hands are to be full of good deeds and acts of love, not stained by the blood of animals or innocent people Amen.
23. 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.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 23)
Oh God, my Father Saul and Jonathan made a great time, they were united in life and they were united in death. I pray oh God my Father that we also remain united both on earth and even more after I leave this world and come to meet You Amen.
24. O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 24)
Oh God my Father if we were to weep over humans on the criteria of all the good that they have done for us, how much more we are to weep and praise You, my God and Father. Amen.
25. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. 26. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 27. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 25 to 27)
Oh God my Father I would like to end the first chapter of the Second Book of Samuel with the following prayer:
Oh God, my Father my heart also is in pain for many people, parents and children, who in order to flee from their country in order to seek asylum end up floating dead in the sea. I also pray for those seeking asylum in many countries that they find people who show them love and care. I pray for world leaders that they show mercy and understanding towards such people instead of being cold and inhumane regarding important decisions that determine these people's future Amen.
((Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 19)
Oh God as in the case of Saul I offer this prayer for all of those who have been the victims of war or even terrorist groups and thus having met an untimely death. I pray that we will be found ready when it is our turn to leave this world Amen.
20. Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God, my Father, our greatest enemy is the evil spirit that takes much pleasure when circumstances do not go according to our plans, so much that we might feel discouraged and even take it to You my God and Father. There will be joy in the camp of the enemy when we decide to stop believing in You. Therefore let us place our trust in You, my God and Father so that the enemy will not have anything to rejoice and exult about Amen.
21. You mountain of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God, my Father may all places where abuse has taken place, such as in child abuse or slavery or domestic violence of men and women be consecrated with your love and mercy so that the poison of the evil one be eliminated. You can the remove the sting or venom of the servant and replace it with love faith and kindness Amen.
22. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 22)
Oh God my Father as in the case of Saul and Jonathan who never turned in cowardice before the enemy but were always successful and never returned empty handed, we are also not to appear empty-handed before You, my God and Father. Our hands are to be full of good deeds and acts of love, not stained by the blood of animals or innocent people Amen.
23. 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.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 23)
Oh God, my Father Saul and Jonathan made a great time, they were united in life and they were united in death. I pray oh God my Father that we also remain united both on earth and even more after I leave this world and come to meet You Amen.
24. O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verse 24)
Oh God my Father if we were to weep over humans on the criteria of all the good that they have done for us, how much more we are to weep and praise You, my God and Father. Amen.
25. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. 26. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 27. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
(Second Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 25 to 27)
Oh God my Father I would like to end the first chapter of the Second Book of Samuel with the following prayer:
Oh God, my Father my heart also is in pain for many people, parents and children, who in order to flee from their country in order to seek asylum end up floating dead in the sea. I also pray for those seeking asylum in many countries that they find people who show them love and care. I pray for world leaders that they show mercy and understanding towards such people instead of being cold and inhumane regarding important decisions that determine these people's future Amen.
