A lesson on how we should respond to the death of the wicked and other instances in which God’s just judgment has certainly been rendered. As we resume our study in the book of 2nd Samuel today, we see the heart of David in his response to the news of the former king Saul’s death. An Amalekite approached David bearing the news, and supposing he could garner some favor or reward with the incumbent king, he deceived David concerning the circumstances of Saul’s death by claiming to have slain him by his own hand. This would backfire for the Amalekite, as David would swiftly command that he be put to death in response to his apparent dishonoring of the king.

Despite the agony and distress David suffered at the hand of Saul, upon the news of his death he not only grieved for him, but ensured that Saul’s honor was preserved. This serves as an example for us and how we are to respond when our opponents fall. Just as God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, we are not to rejoice when judgement falls upon wicked men. Rather we are to grieve for them; grieve over their bondage to sin, recognizing not only the folly of evil, but also that we are no better than them apart from God’s grace. And lest we become like them, we should take no part in carnal revelry.

The fact of the matter is, God sovereignly decrees all people and circumstances in our lives, (including wicked men) to the end that He would be glorified and His purposes accomplished. The reality of God’s judgement should provoke us to not only love and serve the Lord, but to love our neighbors enough to warn them that God’s judgement is coming. Furthermore, that the Lord has provided a refuge from His wrath by sending the Lord Jesus Christ to save all who believe on Him. Do not squander your time and resources therefore, by reviling or seeking revenge. Use it rather as an opportunity to love them by proclaiming God’s just judgement against sin, and then sharing the only remedy for it - the gospel of Jesus Christ, that by God’s grace they might be saved.