2 Samuel 1:20

Translations

Modern

Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.

Traditional

Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

Literal

Declare it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

Latin

Nolite annuntiare in Geth, neque annuntietis in compitis Ascalonis: ne forte lætentur filiæ Philisthiim; ne exultent filiæ incircumcisorum.

Original

Hebrew

English

Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.

Notes

2 Samuel 1:20

Gath and Ashkelon were major Philistine cities. If people announced Saul’s death there, the Philistines would have the chance to celebrate. They could boast over Israel and praise their god Dagon, while mocking Israel’s God, Yahweh.
daughters of the Philistines: In ancient war culture, young women sometimes celebrated victories with songs (see Exodus 15:20–21; 1 Samuel 18:7).

2 Samuel 1:1–27

The forty years of Saul’s reign ended in tragedy. The Philistines struck a devastating blow against his people. They killed Saul’s sons and later mutilated Saul’s body after he took his own life (1 Samuel 31). After these tragic events, the story begins to focus on David and his rise as a leader.

Theme notes and profiles

David Jonathan Saul David's Response to Unfriendly Leaders

Related verses

Micah 1:10
Do not tell it in Gath; do not weep at all. Roll in the dust in Beth-leaphrah.
1 Samuel 18:6
As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments.
Exodus 15:20–21
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.
Judges 11:34
And when Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no son or daughter besides her.
Deuteronomy 32:26–27
I would have said that I would cut them to pieces and blot out their memory from mankind,
1 Samuel 31:4
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
Ezekiel 16:27
Therefore I stretched out My hand against you and reduced your portion. I gave you over to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed of your lewd conduct.
1 Samuel 17:36
Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”
Judges 14:19
Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,
1 Samuel 17:26
David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
Judges 16:23–24
Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.”
1 Samuel 31:8–9
The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.

Places

Ashkelon: A major Philistine city, often a target of prophecy Gath: Philistine city; home of Goliath; refuge for David Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Ashkelon Askelon Baanah Bamah Book of Jashar Circumcision David Mount Gilboa Mourning Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

David: King of Israel: Lamentation Over Saul Elegy: David's, on Saul and Jonathan Friendship: David and Jonathan Jonathan: Son of Saul: Mourned by David Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Saul and his Sons Poetry: Elegy: Upon the Death of Saul Song: War Victories by Women Women: Patriotic: The Women of the Philistines

2 Samuel 1:20

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Places

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics