What does the Bible say about elegy?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents elegy as a faithful expression of grief that honors the dead, acknowledges sin and loss, and brings sorrow before God. In 2 Samuel 1:17 and 1:19-27, David laments Saul and Jonathan with public, poetic mourning, refusing spite and remembering their courage and love. His lament for Abner in 2 Samuel 3:33-34 likewise testifies that wrongful death is grievous and deserves righteous sorrow. Lamentations 1 gives voice to Jerusalem's desolation after judgment, grieving deeply while recognizing the Lord's righteousness. Biblical elegy therefore does not suppress pain or deny God's holiness; it mourns honestly, calls others to remember, and leaves final hope in the God who judges rightly and comforts his people.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- David’s, on Saul and Jonathan 2 Samuel 1:17; 2 Samuel 1:19-27
- On Abner 2 Samuel 3:33; 2 Samuel 3:34
- See the BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS Lamentations 1
- See also POETRY
- See RHETORIC
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