2 Samuel 1:5

5 And David saith unto the youth who is declaring [it] to him, `How hast thou known 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 saith to him, `Whence comest thou?' and he saith unto him, `Out of the camp of Israel I have escaped.'
4 And David saith unto him, `What hath been the matter? declare, I pray thee, to me.' And he saith, that `The people hath fled from the battle, and also a multitude hath fallen of the people, and they die; and also Saul and Jonathan his son have died.'
5 And David saith unto the youth who is declaring [it] to him, `How hast thou known that Saul and Jonathan his son [are] dead?'
6 And the youth who is declaring [it] to him saith, I happened to meet in mount Gilboa, and lo, Saul is leaning on his spear; and lo, the chariots and those possessing horses have followed him;
7 and he turneth behind him, and seeth me, and calleth unto me, and I say, Here [am] I.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.