David urges the women of Israel to weep for Saul, recalling how he provided them with luxury and beauty. The Hebrew word aden means “luxury” or “delight,” and David points to the tangible ways Saul improved their lives—fine clothing, jewelry, and prosperity. Mourning isn’t just about personal loss; it’s about recognizing what someone contributed to the community.

This is unexpected because Saul’s failures as a king are well known, yet David insists on remembering what he did right. In a world quick to cancel or forget people when they fall, David chooses gratitude for the good, even in the midst of grief.

If you’ve ever felt conflicted about someone’s legacy—seeing both their flaws and their gifts—this verse shows it’s possible to hold both. You can grieve what’s lost and still be thankful for what was given. Gratitude and sorrow can exist together, even when the story is complicated.