2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 1:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the absence of a governing law or authority that states otherwise, taking a life is deemed unlawful, even if an individual desires it or pleads for it, as illustrated in the Holy Scriptures in the Book of Kings. For instance, when King David condemned the slayer of King Saul to death, the man claimed he had executed Saul, who was gravely wounded and close to death, at Saul's request, asserting that he had released the king's spirit from its bodily anguish with a single stroke.

It is evident that David transgressed the demands of the law, despite Moses’ instruction to treat his adversaries justly. Rather than following this directive, he enveloped his foes in compassion, earnestly prayed to the Lord on their behalf, grieved deeply for them, and, when they were killed, sought retribution on their behalf.