2 Samuel 1:5

5 And David said unto the young man who told him, "How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son 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 And David said unto him, "From whence comest thou?" And he said unto him, "Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped."

4 And David said unto him, "How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me." And he answered, "The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also."

5 And David said unto the young man who told him, "How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?"

6 And the young man who told him said, "As I happened by chance upon Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me and called unto me. And I answered, `Here am I.'