2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 1:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This is evident in his declaration: "They were inseparable in their lives, and in their deaths they were not separated." He suggests that it cannot be said the son lamented his father’s absence or that the father grieved the loss of his son; rather, he emphasizes that each did not experience what the other faced: both perished on that day, neither outlasting the other. Otherwise, each would have found it impossible to endure life without the other. Are you feeling troubled, weeping in anguish, with tears ready to fall? Remember now, while your heart aches with grief, your foe and insulter; hold him dear in life, and mourn for him in death—not for appearances, but genuinely and from a sincere heart.

How the mighty have fallen and how the instruments of conflict have been destroyed." What mother weeps as profoundly for her sole child as he did for his foe? And how could anyone commend such a benefactor more than David praised the man who conspired against him? His grief was profound and sincere, marked by a heartfelt mourning. The mountains trembled at the prophetic curse, and the will of God carried out the judgment proclaimed. Thus, the very elements bore witness and executed retribution for the death of the sovereign.