Responding To The Fall Of A Leader Series

RESPONDING TO THE FALL OF A LEADER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 1:1-27

Supporting Texts: Psalm 75:6-7, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:15

INTRODUCTION:

The death of a leader is often a defining moment in the life of a nation, an organisation, or a spiritual family. It is a moment of reflection, revelation, and in some cases, redirection. In 2 Samuel 1, David receives the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death on Mount Gilboa. Saul had pursued David for years, hunting him like a criminal. Yet, David’s response was not celebration or relief—it was grief, honour, and lamentation.

This passage reveals much about David’s heart. He teaches us how to respond with godly character when authority falls, even when that authority may have failed or harmed us. David did not take advantage of Saul’s fall to promote himself, nor did he speak evil of the dead. Instead, he mourned with dignity and expressed honour to God’s anointed.

This chapter challenges us to evaluate how we respond when those ahead of us stumble, fall, or are removed. Do we gloat, gossip, or grab for power—or do we respond with reverence, humility, and compassion? The fall of a leader is a test of our own character.

1. HONOURING GOD’S ANOINTED EVEN IN THEIR FAILURE

David’s grief shows us that honour is not based on perfection but on divine placement.

a) David did not rejoice over Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1:11-12)

Instead of celebrating the fall of his enemy, he tore his clothes, fasted, and mourned deeply.

b) Spiritual authority is to be respected, even when the vessel is flawed (1 Samuel 24:6)

David had opportunities to kill Saul but refused to harm the Lord’s anointed.

c) Honour does not ignore failure, but it maintains a posture of reverence for God's order

We are not called to celebrate judgement, but to grieve over the collapse of what God once raised.

d) How you respond to leadership failure says more about your heart than theirs

David's response reveals humility, maturity, and a fear of God.

Biblical Example: Noah’s sons—Shem and Japheth—covered their father's shame, while Ham exposed it (Genesis 9:20-27).

2. NEVER TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOMEONE’S FALL TO PROMOTE YOURSELF

David restrained himself from using Saul’s death as a political opportunity.

a) The Amalekite expected to be rewarded for reporting Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1:2-10)

He fabricated a story, hoping to gain David’s favour by claiming to have killed Saul.

b) David saw through the motive and held him accountable for touching God’s anointed (2 Samuel 1:14-16)

David understood that divine elevation must never come through manipulation.

c) True leadership waits for God’s timing and rejects carnal shortcuts

Those who climb over fallen others are not fit to lead.

d) Elevation without character leads to destruction

David passed the test of honour and waited for God to enthrone him.

Biblical Example: Absalom tried to take the throne from David through rebellion and perished (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

3. GRIEVE THE LOSS, EVEN IF THE LEADER WAS YOUR ENEMY

Godly people mourn because they understand the weight of leadership and life.

a) David lamented deeply for both Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17-27)

His lament was poetic, emotional, and honouring—even toward Saul, who had tried to kill him.

b) Grief is not a weakness—it is a holy recognition of loss and transition

Lamentation helps the soul process and release pain with dignity.

c) David instructed the nation to remember Saul's victories and leadership (2 Samuel 1:24)

He refused to define Saul by his failures.

d) A nation that cannot mourn its leaders is a nation at risk of pride and forgetfulness

Grief builds a culture of honour and memory.

Biblical Example: Jesus wept over Jerusalem despite their rejection of Him (Luke 19:41-44).

4. VALUE COVENANT FRIENDSHIPS EVEN AFTER DEATH

David’s lament over Jonathan reveals the power of godly friendship.

a) Jonathan’s love for David was described as deep and surpassing (2 Samuel 1:26)

David mourned him not just as a comrade, but as a covenant brother.

b) True friendships are forged in loyalty, mutual respect, and divine purpose

David’s heart never forgot Jonathan’s sacrifices and support.

c) Friendship in the Spirit continues to speak beyond the grave

David later honoured Jonathan's lineage (Mephibosheth) as an extension of their covenant (2 Samuel 9).

d) God places people in your life to preserve your destiny—never take them for granted

Honour them in life, and remember them in death.

Biblical Example: Jesus honoured His friendship with Lazarus by weeping at his tomb and raising him (John 11:35-44).

5. USE TRANSITION SEASONS TO PREPARE FOR GOD’S NEXT MOVE

David knew the throne was near, yet he remained submitted and sensitive.

a) David did not rush into power after Saul’s death (2 Samuel 2:1)

He still inquired of the Lord about the next step—where to go, when to go.