I just noticed that the structure of 2 Samuel 1 further supports the contrast between true and false mourning I pointed out in the last post, since the two references to torn clothes appear in structurally parallel places and thus invite comparison. In addition, the structure relates the execution of the young Amalekite to his own execution of Saul. As he killed so he himself was killed.
A A man with torn clothes and earth on his head – false mourning (v 2)
B Question: Where did you come from? (v 3)
C Question: How do you know? (v 5)
D Report of Saul’s death: Person is called and kills (vv 6-10)
A’ David and his men tear their clothes – true mourning (vv 11-12)
B’ Question: Where are you from? (v 13)
C’ Question: How is it you were not afraid (v 14)
D’ Report of Amalekite’s death: Person is called and kills (vv 15-16)
It might also be possible to see a contrast between the second part of v 10 which reveals the young man’s true intentions and shows that he is not truly mourning and David’s lamentation in vv 17-27 which emphasizes that he is truly sorry about Saul and Jonathan’s death.
Homework
Notice that the Amalekite twice makes a statement about his identity (vv 8, 13). What is the difference between the two statements and what is the significance of this? Why does the statement in v 13 condemn him? (Deut 31:12)
The Word 