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2 Samuel 1:5

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 1:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?
2 Samuel 1:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2it came to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul, with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.
3And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
4And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, The people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
5And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?
6And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after him.
7And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
8And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
← 2 Samuel 1:42 Samuel 1:6 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And David said unto the young man that told him, etc.] 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.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“How knowest: Pro 14:15, Pro 25:2 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 1:6”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification