2 Samuel 1:1–27 – The Making of a King

Jon Beck

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, Aug 9. They’re not a full manuscript… just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

2 Samuel 1:1-27

Intro

  • We have watched God raise up David and remove Saul.
  • Last week, we considered “Lessons from the Fallen King”
  • First Samuel ends with Saul’s death, but 2 Samuel 1 brings the story to its proper conclusion
  • Saul is dead, the throne is open, and David’s enemy is gone.
  • Yet David does not celebrate or grasp for the crown—he responds with grief, integrity, and honor.
  • Before David wears the crown, his response reveals his character.

David Receives the News — vv. 1–10

  • David learns that Israel has been defeated.
  • Saul and Jonathan are dead.
  • The Amalekite claims he killed Saul.
  • He brings Saul’s crown to David, expecting a reward.
  • What the Amalekite sees as an opportunity, David sees as a tragedy.
  • His reaction speaks volumes…his enemy is dead.

God was not only preparing the throne for David; He was preparing David for the throne.

David Mourns and Judges — vv. 11–16

  • David and his men mourn, weep, and fast.
  • David grieves for Saul, Jonathan, and Israel.
  • He condemns the Amalekite based on the man’s own testimony.
  • David refuses to celebrate Saul’s death or ignore what is right.

Our response to another person’s fall reveals our character. Refuse to celebrate their loss, but do not ignore what is right.

David Honors and Laments — vv. 17–27

  • David writes a lament for Saul and Jonathan.
  • “How the mighty have fallen!” is the repeated refrain.
  • He honors their courage and contribution to Israel.
  • He remembers Saul graciously without excusing his failures.
  • He personally grieves Jonathan’s loyal and sacrificial friendship.

Maturity remembers people honestly and graciously. Acknowledge their failures, appreciate their contributions, and grieve what has been lost.

The What Now – Looking Back… Lessons from David.

David’s Heart — 1 Samuel 16:1–13

  • God looked beyond outward appearances and graciously chose David.
  • Though overlooked by others, David was chosen, anointed, and empowered by God.

David’s Faith — 1 Samuel 17:31–51

  • David faced Goliath by remembering God’s faithfulness.
  • He believed the battle belonged to the Lord.
  • His greatest concern was God’s glory.

David’s Friendship — 1 Samuel 18:1–5; 20:12–17; 23:15–18

  • Jonathan loved David sacrificially and remained loyal at great cost.
  • He strengthened David’s faith by reminding him of God’s promise.
  • Godly friends point us back to the Lord.

David’s Trust — 1 Samuel 24:1–12; 26:7–12

  • David refused to seize the throne through sinful means.
  • He trusted God’s timing and left Saul’s judgment to the Lord.

David’s Doubt — 1 Samuel 27:1–12

  • David listened to fear instead of resting in God’s promise.
  • His doubt led him into compromise and deception.

David’s Renewal — 1 Samuel 30:1–20

  • After wandering in fear and compromise, David turned back to the Lord.
  • God’s grace renewed David as he sought the Lord and walked again in obedience.

David was not a perfect man. At times, his faith gave way to fear and doubt. Yet God used every season to shape his heart, strengthen his faith, deepen his trust, and renew him by grace.

And the same grace that sustained David ultimately points us to Christ. Our hope is not in having a perfect record, but in coming to the perfect King who died for our sin and rose again. In Christ, there is forgiveness for our failures, grace for our weaknesses, and hope to keep walking faithfully with the Lord.

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