Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

2 SAMUEL 1:20KJV
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2 Samuel 1:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 1:20 mean?

2 Samuel 1:20 is David’s plea not to spread the news of Saul’s death in Philistine cities, so that Israel’s enemies would not celebrate or mock Israel’s loss. David specifically names Gath and Askelon, urging that the defeat not be announced where it would bring joy to the Philistines and shame to Israel.

David is speaking after hearing of King Saul’s death, addressing those around him as he mourns. The verse shows David’s concern for Israel’s honor and his desire to prevent their enemies, especially the Philistines, from rejoicing over the downfall of Israel’s king. By mentioning “the daughters of the Philistines” and “the daughters of the uncircumcised,” David highlights the cultural rivalry and the pain of seeing enemies gloat over Israel’s tragedy.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 1:20

  • גַּת (Gath, transliteration: gat): Gath was one of the main Philistine cities. Naming it makes the warning specific and personal, as Gath had been a place of conflict between Israel and the Philistines.
  • אַשְׁקְלוֹן (Askelon, transliteration: Ashkelon): Another major Philistine city, emphasizing the reach of the warning and the importance of not letting Israel’s enemies celebrate.
  • בְּנוֹת פְּלִשְׁתִּים (daughters of the Philistines, transliteration: b’not P’lishtim): Refers to the women of the enemy nation, often pictured as singing and celebrating victories. This phrase paints a vivid image of public rejoicing by Israel’s rivals.
  • עֲרֵלִים (uncircumcised, transliteration: arelim): A term Israelites used for foreign nations, especially the Philistines, marking them as outsiders to Israel’s covenant with God. Using this word underlines the deep divide and rivalry.

Why 2 Samuel 1:20 matters

  • This verse helps readers understand David’s loyalty to Saul and Israel, even after Saul’s death, and his desire to protect Israel’s reputation.
  • The mention of specific Philistine cities and the “daughters” highlights the real threat of public humiliation and the emotional impact of defeat in the ancient world.
  • 2 Samuel 1:20 sets the tone for David’s entire lament for Saul and Jonathan, showing that his grief is mixed with concern for national honor and the dangers of enemy triumph.

Where else these words appear

“Askelon” Hebrew H831 · used in 11 verses

  • Judges 1:18 Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.
  • Jeremiah 25:20 And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,
  • Amos 1:8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

“triumph” Hebrew H5937 · used in 16 verses

  • Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
  • Psalms 108:7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
  • Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

“publish” Hebrew H1319 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
  • 2 Samuel 18:31 And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.
  • Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

“Gath” Hebrew H1661 · used in 31 verses

  • Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
  • 1 Samuel 27:3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:21 And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.