Hold back the dew, David’s lament
Laura Digan
June 27, 2021
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2 Samuel 1: 17-27 (NRSVA)
17 David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18 (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said:
19 Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!
20 Tell it not in Gath,
proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon;
or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,
the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.21 You mountains of Gilboa,
let there be no dew or rain upon you,
nor bounteous fields!
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.22 From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of the mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
nor the sword of Saul return empty.23 Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
In life and in death they were not divided;
they were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions.24 O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you with crimson, in luxury,
who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.25 How the mighty have fallen
in the midst of the battle!Jonathan lies slain upon your high places.
26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
your love to me was wonderful,
passing the love of women.27 How the mighty have fallen,
and the weapons of war perished!
I have loved music ever since I can remember. Music is part of my DNA…my very soul. I learned to play the violin and piano when I was a small child. Over the years I played in bands and wrote my own songs. Whatever was happening in my life I had a song for it. I grew up in a Christian household but before I knew Jesus, I mean really knew Jesus, music was what got me through life. Music soothed me, calmed me, comforted me, loved me, enthused me, filled me with passion, filled me with life. A vibration could and still can change my mood, change my day. I have a playlist for every occasion, every mood, be it heartbreak, summer sunshine, to get me through a hard day, needing reflection. Music is a gift from God, bringing us into the presence of God, filling us with the presence of God.
David was a talented musician, he understood the power of music, the power to transform and heal. We just need to look at the Psalms to see that David had a song for all aspects of life, all human emotions, all aspects of our relationship with God. Here we see David use music to help him process his grief. David writes a lament in memory of King Saul and his son Jonathan, David’s dearest friend. He orders that this song be taught to the people of Judah. Creating the song helps David express and process his loss and his grief. Teaching it to others will keep the memory of Saul and Jonathan alive.
Music can help us set the tone for our day, process our emotions. Perhaps like David you are in a place of grief. Or perhaps after so long in lockdown you are feeling lost, anxious maybe even depressed. What songs help you start the day positively; what songs give you comfort and strength?
PRAYER:
Creator God,
In the words of Abba, thank you for the music,
for the songs I’m singing,
for the joy they are giving.
Amen
ACTION: Make a musical playlist that will help you to begin each morning in the Lord’s power, strength and positivity. They don’t need to be worship songs but if you want to, you will find some belters here: sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/music
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