2 Samuel 1:1

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Now it came to pass after {H310} the death {H4194} of Saul {H7586}, when David {H1732} was returned {H7725} from the slaughter {H5221} of the Amalekites {H6002}, and David {H1732} had abode {H3427} two {H8147} days {H3117} in Ziklag {H6860};

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul had died, and David had been two days in Ziklag after returning from the slaughter of the 'Amaleki.

Berean Standard Bible

After the death of Saul, David returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days.

American Standard Version

And 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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel opens with a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the definitive end of King Saul's tumultuous reign and setting the stage for David's long-awaited ascendancy to the throne. This verse finds David not on the battlefield where Saul met his end, but in the Philistine town of Ziklag, where he had recently returned from a decisive victory over the Amalekites. It highlights David's state of waiting and recovery, underscoring the divine timing and orchestration of events that would soon propel him into the kingship over Judah, and eventually, all Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate narrative bridge from the book of 1 Samuel to 2 Samuel. The preceding chapters of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/ "First Samuel - The Rise and Fall of Kings") detail the tragic decline of King Saul, culminating in his death and the deaths of his sons, including Jonathan, on Mount Gilboa in battle against the Philistines, as recounted in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul and His Sons"). Simultaneously, [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/ "First Samuel - The Transition to Monarchy") chronicles David's anointing by Samuel, his rise to prominence, his subsequent persecution by Saul, and his complex, often precarious, exile among the Philistines. The specific events directly preceding [2 Samuel 1:1](/2_samuel/1-1 "2 Samuel 1:1 - David Hears of Saul's Death") are found in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Victory Over the Amalekites"), where David, having been dismissed from the Philistine army before the battle with Saul, returns to find Ziklag raided by the Amalekites. David pursues them, recovers all that was lost, and returns victorious. Thus, [2 Samuel 1:1](/2_samuel/1-1 "2 Samuel 1:1 - The Beginning of David's Reign") places David in a moment of recent triumph and relative peace, completely unaware of the cataclysmic events that have just unfolded on Mount Gilboa, thereby highlighting God's sovereign hand in separating David from Saul's fate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is one of significant political instability and constant warfare for Israel. The Philistines were a dominant regional power, frequently clashing with Israel, and Saul's kingship, though divinely appointed, was marked by disobedience and a failure to fully establish Israel's security against its enemies. David's presence in Ziklag, a Philistine city, was a strategic necessity born of his exile from Saul's jealous pursuit. This alliance, though uneasy, provided David with a secure base and allowed him to operate outside Saul's direct reach while still maintaining a fighting force. The concept of kingship in ancient Israel was still evolving, with the transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy being a challenging process. The death of a king, especially one as controversial as Saul, would inevitably lead to a power vacuum and a struggle for succession, making the news of Saul's death a momentous political and theological event for the nascent kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The opening of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - The Death of Saul") immediately introduces several profound themes. Primarily, it underscores the **transition of power**, signaling the end of the flawed Saulide dynasty and the imminent commencement of the divinely ordained Davidic kingship. This transition is not merely political but deeply theological, reflecting God's sovereign choice and timing, as seen in David's anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed by Samuel"). The verse also highlights **divine providence and timing**, as David's absence from the battle where Saul died ensures his hands are clean of the king's blood and positions him as a clear successor, not a usurper. His recent victory over the Amalekites, detailed in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Pursuit and Victory"), demonstrates his leadership and military prowess, preparing him for the challenges of kingship. Finally, the theme of **waiting and preparation** is evident; David is not actively seeking the throne but is faithfully stewarding his current responsibilities, trusting God's unfolding plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** H4194. This word signifies the cessation of life, whether natural or violent. In this context, "the death of Saul" marks a pivotal moment, representing the divine judgment on Saul's disobedient reign and the definitive end of an era. It is not merely a biological event but a theological turning point, clearing the path for God's chosen king, David, to ascend the throne.
* **Slaughter (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** H5221. While the KJV translates this as a noun "slaughter," the underlying Hebrew (H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely), to smite, to kill, or to make a slaughter." David's return "from the slaughter of the Amalekites" thus emphasizes a decisive and comprehensive military victory, a complete routing of a long-standing enemy of Israel. This demonstrates David's military effectiveness and God's vindication of him, contrasting sharply with Saul's defeat.
* **Abode (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** H3427. This verb means "to sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle." The phrase "David had abode two days in Ziklag" conveys a sense of settledness and rest after his recent strenuous campaign. It implies that David was not actively moving or engaged in further conflict, but rather in a state of being present and available, allowing for the timely arrival of the news of Saul's death. This "abiding" underscores the divinely orchestrated timing of the narrative's turning point, positioning David perfectly for the next stage of God's plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now it came to pass after the death of Saul":** This opening clause immediately establishes the chronological and thematic pivot point of the entire book. It signals the end of an era marked by Saul's reign, characterized by disobedience and decline, and prepares the reader for the commencement of a new era under David. The "death of Saul" is not just a historical event but a divinely ordained conclusion to a failed kingship, clearing the path for God's chosen leader.
* **"when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites":** This phrase connects directly to the preceding narrative in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Pursuit and Victory"). It highlights David's recent military success and his physical location. Crucially, David is not involved in the battle where Saul dies, demonstrating God's sovereign protection and ensuring that David's hands are clean of any direct involvement in the demise of the reigning king, thus preserving his legitimacy as the successor.
* **"and David had abode two days in Ziklag":** This final clause specifies David's precise location and the brief duration of his stay after his return. Ziklag, a Philistine town granted to David by Achish, serves as David's base during his exile. The "two days" emphasizes the immediate aftermath of his victory and his state of waiting. It underscores the suddenness and unexpected nature of the news of Saul's death, which arrives while David is in a posture of rest and recovery, not actively seeking the throne.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of 2 Samuel masterfully employs several literary devices to set the stage for the narrative to follow. **Narrative Transition** is paramount, as the verse explicitly bridges the events of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/ "First Samuel - The Story of Israel's First Kings") with the new developments in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/ "Second Samuel - The Reign of King David"), signaling a major shift in the historical and theological landscape of Israel. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the contrast between Saul's defeat and death on Mount Gilboa (implied by "after the death of Saul") and David's recent decisive victory over the Amalekites. This highlights David's flourishing while Saul's dynasty crumbles. There is also a subtle **Irony** in David, the divinely chosen king of Israel, being in a Philistine city while the current Israelite king dies fighting Israel's enemies. The phrase "abode two days" creates a sense of **Suspense** and **Foreshadowing**, as the reader, aware of the preceding events, knows momentous news is imminent, building anticipation for the messenger's arrival and the subsequent unfolding of David's destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the overarching theme of God's sovereignty and meticulous timing in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It demonstrates that God's purposes are not thwarted by human failures or political chaos; rather, He orchestrates events, even tragic ones, to bring about His chosen ends. David's absence from Saul's final battle, his recent victory, and his two-day wait in Ziklag are not coincidences but divinely arranged circumstances that prepare the way for his legitimate and uncontested ascent to the throne. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly His anointing of David, and His ability to work through humble and unexpected circumstances to fulfill His grand design for His people.

* [1 Samuel 31:6](/1_samuel/31-6 "1 Samuel 31:6 - The Death of Saul and His Sons")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed by Samuel")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalms/78-70-72 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chooses David as Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The opening of 2 Samuel presents David in a posture of waiting and recovery, unaware of the monumental shift that has just occurred in the kingdom he is destined to lead. This resonates deeply with the human experience, reminding us that God's plans often unfold in His perfect timing, frequently while we are engaged in the seemingly mundane tasks or trials immediately before us. David was faithful in leading his men, pursuing their enemies, and recovering from the Amalekite raid, as detailed in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Faithfulness in Ziklag"). It was in this posture of diligent faithfulness in his current circumstances that the news arrived that would change his future forever. This narrative encourages us to remain faithful and diligent in our present situations, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they may appear. We are called to steward our current responsibilities with integrity and trust, knowing that God is orchestrating the larger events of our lives and the world, preparing us for what lies ahead, and ultimately fulfilling His purposes in ways we cannot always foresee. Our faithfulness in the "two days in Ziklag" prepares us for the "death of Saul" moments that usher in new seasons of divine purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's "two days in Ziklag" challenge our expectations of how God prepares His leaders or brings about significant change?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently in a "waiting" period, and how can David's example encourage faithfulness in those times?**
* **How does the divine timing of Saul's death and David's recent victory affirm God's sovereignty over challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was David in Ziklag, a Philistine city, when Saul died?**

Answer: David was in Ziklag because he had fled from King Saul's relentless pursuit, which had lasted for many years. Unable to find safety within Israel, David sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, who granted him Ziklag as a dwelling place ([1 Samuel 27:6](/1_samuel/27-6 "1 Samuel 27:6 - Achish Gives Ziklag to David")). This arrangement provided David with a secure base for himself and his 600 men, allowing him to operate independently of Saul's authority and even conduct raids on other enemies of Israel, while maintaining a tenuous alliance with the Philistines. His presence there ensured his separation from the final, tragic battle of Mount Gilboa, highlighting God's providential hand in his protection.

**What was the significance of David's "slaughter of the Amalekites" just before this news?**

Answer: The "slaughter of the Amalekites" (detailed in [1 Samuel 30](/1_samuel/30 "1 Samuel 30 - David's Victory Over the Amalekites")) was highly significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated David's continued leadership, military prowess, and reliance on God's guidance, as he inquired of the Lord before pursuing them ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord")). Second, it was a personal vindication for David and his men, as the Amalekites had raided Ziklag and taken their families captive. David's complete recovery of "all that the Amalekites had carried away" ([1 Samuel 30:19](/1_samuel/30-19 "1 Samuel 30:19 - David Recovers All")) showcased God's faithfulness to him. Third, and most crucially for the narrative of 2 Samuel, this engagement kept David occupied and away from the battle where Saul died, ensuring that David was not implicated in Saul's demise and highlighting God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the timing of events for David's legitimate succession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The transition from Saul to David in [2 Samuel 1:1](/2_samuel/1-1 "2 Samuel 1:1 - The Dawn of David's Reign"), marked by divine timing and David's providential separation from Saul's fate, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate transition of kingdoms and the establishment of the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Just as David, the shepherd-king, was prepared through trials and waiting, so too was Christ, the true Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), prepared for His messianic mission through a life of humility, suffering, and perfect obedience. David's decisive victory over the Amalekites, a persistent enemy, prefigures Christ's ultimate and complete victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His sacrificial death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). While Saul's kingdom ended in tragedy due to disobedience, David's kingdom, though imperfect, pointed to the coming King whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Throne")). Christ, the true Lamb of God, was not present at the "slaughter" of the old covenant or the old order, but through His own voluntary "slaughter" on the cross, He inaugurated a new and eternal kingdom, rescuing us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Kingdom of His Son")). Thus, [2 Samuel 1:1](/2_samuel/1-1 "2 Samuel 1:1 - God's Sovereign Transition to David") with its emphasis on divine timing and the transition to a chosen king, serves as an Old Testament echo of God's greater plan to establish the reign of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), whose dominion is everlasting.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 27:6

Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.

1 Samuel 30:17

And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.

1 Samuel 30:26

And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, [even] to his friends, saying, Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the LORD;

1 Samuel 31:6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.