1:1 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

The Argument - This book and the former are called Samuel, because they contain the conception, birth and the whole course of his life, and also the lives and acts of two kings, that is, of Saul and David, whom he anointed and consecrated kings by the ordinance of God. The first book contains those things which God brought to pass among this people under the government of Samuel and Saul. This second book declares the noble acts of David, after the death of Saul when he began to reign, to the end of his kingdom, and how it was expanded by him. It also contains the great troubles and dangers he sustained both within his house and without, the horrible and dangerous insurrections, uproars, and treasons wrought against him, partly by false counsellors, feigned friends and flatterers and partly by his own children and people. By God's assistance he overcame all difficulties, and enjoyed his kingdom in rest and peace. In the person of David the scripture sets forth Christ Jesus the chief king, who came from David according to the flesh, and was persecuted on every side with outward and inward enemies, as well in his own person, as in his members, but at length he overcomes all his enemies, and gives his Church victory against all power both spiritual and temporal; and so reigns with them, king for ever.

1:2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with {a} his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

(a) Seeming to lament the overthrow of the people of Israel.

1:6 And the young man that told him said, {b} As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

(b) As I fled the chase.

1:8 And he said unto me, Who [art] thou? And I answered him, I [am] an {c} Amalekite.

(c) He was an Amalekite born, but renounced his country and joined with the Israelites.

1:9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my {d} life [is] yet whole in me.

(d) I am sorry, because I am yet alive.

1:13 {e} And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence [art] thou? And he answered, I [am] the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.

(e) After the lamentation, he examined him again.

1:16 And David said unto him, {f} Thy blood [be] upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

(f) You are justly punished for your fault.

1:18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah {g} [the use of] the bow: behold, [it is] written in the book of Jasher.)

(g) That they might be able to match their enemies the Philistines in that art.

1:19 The beauty of Israel is {h} slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

(h) Meaning Saul.

1:21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let there be] no dew, neither [let there be] rain, upon you, nor {i} fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, [as though he had] not [been] anointed with oil.

(i) Let their fertile fields be barren, and bring forth no fruit to offer to the Lord.

1:23 Saul and Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not {k} divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

(k) They died both together in Gilboa.

1:24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, {l} with [other] delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.

(l) As rich garments and costly jewels.

1:26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of {m} women.

(m) Either toward their husbands or their children.