2 Samuel 1:1-10
1 Now it came about after the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, that David stayed two days in Ziklag.
2 And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. And it happened when he came to David, he fell to the ground and prostrated himself.
3 Then David said to him, “From where do you come?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.”
4 David said to him, “How did things go? Please tell me.” And he said, “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”
5 Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?”
6 The young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and behold, Saul was leaning on his spear. And behold, the chariots and the horsemen had overtaken him.
7 When he looked behind himself, he saw me, and called to me. And I said, ‘Here I am.’
8 Then he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ And I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’
9 And he said to me, ‘Please stand next to me and finish me off, for agony has seized me because my life still lingers in me.’
10 So I stood next to him and finished him off, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown which was on his head and the band which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”
Report of Saul’s Death
Opened door
1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were originally one book, so they need to be read as such. An Amalekite came to David and, desiring a reward, gave a false report about Saul’s death in battle. (1) At that time, David was in a heavily depressed state. However, he entrusted all circumstances to the Lord. (2) He did not desire Saul’s death. In other words, he was not eager to take the throne quickly. (3) Suddenly, a door was opened for David. The opportunity to become king came with Saul’s death. If we entrust everything to the Lord, He will open doors for us at the best time. Let us learn to trust in the Lord, whether the time seems good or bad. The Lord is carrying out the best plan for us.
A young Amalekite
(1) On the third day after David returned from defeating the Amalekites, a young Amalekite came from the battlefield in mourning attire and reported the situation. There are three possible explanations for this young man’s background: he was either a slave, a mercenary, or a thief who looted from the dead. (2) He reported the situation to David, saying that Israel had been defeated, many of the people had died in battle, and that Saul and Jonathan were also dead. (3) When asked how he knew about their deaths, he answered that he happened to be there by chance, saw Saul on the verge of death, and delivered the final blow. (4) As proof, he showed David the crown and bracelet he had taken from Saul. (5) This story was his fabrication. He expected that David, who was to be the next king, would rejoice over Saul’s death and reward him for delivering the final blow. However, as we will see next time, David was not someone who would rejoice over Saul’s death. King Saul was removed from his throne because he did not strike down the Amalekites (1 Sam. 28:18). And ironically, he is now facing retribution at the hands of an Amalekite. Let us learn a lesson from this. The sin of disobedience will inevitably come back upon us.
Today's prayer
Almighty God, whether the times are good or bad, I will continue to walk trusting in You. Please protect my faith. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.