2 Samuel 1:5

5 David asked the young man who had brought him the report, "How do you know Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"

2 Samuel 1:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 1:5

And David said unto the young man that told him
These tidings:

how knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
this he particularly inquired after, as what most affected him, and was most material for him to know; and his meaning is, whether he had this of his own sight and knowledge, or by report.

2 Samuel 1:5 In-Context

3 David asked him, "Where have you come from?" He replied to him, "I've escaped from the Israelite camp."
4 "What was the outcome? Tell me," David asked him. "The troops fled from the battle," he answered. "Many of the troops have fallen and are dead. Also, Saul and his son Jonathan are dead."
5 David asked the young man who had brought him the report, "How do you know Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?"
6 "I happened to be on Mount Gilboa," he replied, "and there was Saul, leaning on his spear. At that very moment the chariots and the cavalry were closing in on him.
7 When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, so I answered: I'm at your service.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.