Lesson 7
 God our Comforter (2 Corinthians 1:4)
“Turn to God for Comfort when Loved Ones Die” (2 Samuel 1:12)
Read 1 Samuel 31, 2 Samuel 1 www.bible.com/bible/59/1sa.31.esv

During another war against the Philistines, Israel’s terrified army was in full retreat. The Philistines killed all three of Saul’s sons, including David’s beloved friend Jonathan. Saul was badly wounded by a Philistine arrow, and begged his weapon bearer to kill him. Saul killed himself rather than being taken prisoner. They died together in battle that terrible day.

When the Israelites found out the army was retreating and their king and his sons were dead, they ran for their lives. The Philistines took possession of their cities. They displayed Saul’s armor in the temple of their idol and spread the news of the death of Israel’s king and his heirs to the throne.

A few days after David returned home after defeating the raiders, a young man showed up. He told David all about the defeat and how Saul and Jonathan were dead. David was so distraught he ripped his clothes to shreds. All his men joined him in weeping and fasting for the remainder of the day.

David composed a sorrowful song for Saul and Jonathan, mighty warriors who were struck down, and later everyone in Judah learned it. The song remembered Jonathan’s bold bow and Saul’s fearless sword. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and swifter than eagles, stronger than lions, were together in life and death; two mighty warriors, struck down in the middle of the fight. David was crushed by his dear friend Jonathan’s death. Jonathan had been an encourager for David, sent by God, and Jonathan’s friendship far exceeded anything David had ever known.

 Where do you turn for comfort when a loved one dies? “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). David had been greatly encouraged by Jonathan, and then the Lord had taught David how to find encouragement in God alone. Now the Lord was teaching David to turn to Him as his Comforter and Strength. David testified of God’s comfort as he walked through the valley of the shadow of death in Psalm 23:4.

Just before Jesus was crucified, rose from the dead, and went back to Heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Comforter, to be with us always (John 16:7). In our times of deep sorrow, we can turn to our loving Lord, “who comforts us in all our affliction, so we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).