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.
1:13e 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.
