2 Samuel 1:5

5 Then David asked the young man who was reporting to him, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan died?"

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 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."
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.'
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.