שמואל ב, פרק א׳, פסוק ט״ו

Bringing news of a fallen leader is often a calculated risk, done with the hope of earning a great reward. Yet, for the messenger standing before David, the outcome is the exact opposite of what he anticipates. Rather than receiving payment or honor for his report, he faces immediate execution [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

David summons one of his young attendants and issues a clear command to strike the man down. This instruction is a direct order to deliver a fatal blow. Such severe language carries a specific weight and finality, echoing other dark moments in biblical history where the same exact phrasing is used to describe a sudden and absolute execution, such as the tragic killing of the priests [מצודת ציון].