2 Samuel 1:20Don't tell it in Gath. Don't publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
The setting
Gath and Ashkelon were major Philistine cities, 40 miles southwest of Jerusalem. David knows the news will spread there first, causing victory celebrations in the streets...
The emotion here: protective fury mixed with deep sorrow
The original word
basar (בַּשֵּׂר) — to bring news, announce; same word used for gospel, good news
Why it matters
Philistine women performed victory dances when their warriors returned successful from battle
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Samuel 1:20
David's concern isn't just grief - it's protecting Israel's honor from enemy mockery
Common misconceptionThis isn't about hiding truth - it's about strategic grief. David understands that how you mourn affects national morale and enemy perception.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Samuel 1:20
Bible Genome reading
2 Samuel 1:20 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Samuel 1:20 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 grieving, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is urgent. It belongs to the psalm genre of biblical literature. Key themes include shame, enemy triumph, discretion. Notable phrases: Don't tell it in Gath. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does 2 Samuel 1:20 mean to you, today?
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