· Translation: KJV

2 Samuel 1:15David called one of the young men, and said, "Go near, and fall on him." He struck him, so that he died.

The setting

Ziklag, Israel, ~1010 BC. David has heard enough. Without hesitation, he orders the execution of the Amalekite who claimed to have killed King Saul.

The emotion here: resolved determination, no hesitation or regret

The original word

paga (פָּגַע) — to strike, attack, or fall upon someone with violence

Why it matters

This execution established David's reputation for justice and respect for God's anointed kings

Read with care

What most readers miss in 2 Samuel 1:15

David acts swiftly because the man condemned himself with his own testimony

Common misconceptionModern readers think David is being harsh. But by ancient law and his own stated principles, this was both legal and necessary to establish his authority.

Bible Genome reading

2 Samuel 1:15 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerDavid
EraUnited Kingdom
Primary emotiondeciding
Literary typenarrative
MarkCommand

Emotional genome

Comfort power20%
Quotability50%
Memorability80%
Crisis relevance90%
Standalone30%
Themes:justiceexecutionleadership

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open 2 Samuel 1

2 Samuel 1:15 comes from the book of 2 Samuel, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to David. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include justice, execution, leadership. Notable phrases: Go near, and fall on him; he died. This verse contains a command.

Your reflection

What does 2 Samuel 1:15 mean to you, today?

A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.

Speak your heart →

Get 3 verses for "deciding"

Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.