TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
Complete Jewish Bible
The young man who had told him said, "I happened to be on Mount Gilboa when I saw Sha'ul leaning on his spear. The chariots and cavalry were bearing down on him.
Berean Standard Bible
“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him.
American Standard Version
And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after him.
World English Bible Messianic
The young man who told him said, “As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul was leaning on his spear; and behold, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the yong man that tolde him, answered, As I came to mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned vpon his speare, and loe, the charets and horsemen followed hard after him.
Young's Literal Translation
And the youth who is declaring it to him saith, I happened to meet in mount Gilboa, and lo, Saul is leaning on his spear; and lo, the chariots and those possessing horses have followed him;
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 1 verses 1–10
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;
2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with 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.
3 And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.
4 And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
5 And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?
6 And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
Here is, I. David settling again in Ziklag, his own city, after he had rescued his family and friends out of the hands of the Amalekites (Sa2 1:1): He abode in Ziklag. Thence he was now sending presents to his friends (Sa1 30:26), and there he was ready to receive those that came into his interests; not men in distress and debt, as his first followers were, but persons of quality in their country, mighty men, men of war, and captains of thousands (as we find, Ch1 12:1, Ch1 12:8, Ch1 12:20); such came day by day to him, God stirring up their hearts to do so, till he had a great host, like the host of God, as it is said, Ch1 12:22. The secret springs of revolutions are unaccountable, and must be resolved into that Providence which turns all hearts as the rivers of water.
II. Intelligence brought him thither of the death of Saul. It was strange that he did not leave some spies about the camp, to bring him early notice of the issue of the engagement, a sign that he desired not Saul's woeful day, nor was impatient to come to the throne, but willing to wait till those tidings were brought to him which many a one would have sent more than half-way to meet. He that believes does not make haste, takes good news when it comes and is not uneasy while it is in the coming. 1. The messenger presents himself to David as an express, in the posture of a mourner for the deceased prince and a subject to the succeeding one. He came with his clothes rent, and made obeisance to David (Sa2 1:2), pleasing himself with the fancy that he had the honour to be the first that did him homage as his sovereign, but it proved he was the first that received from him sentence of death as his judge. He told David he came from the camp of Israel, and intimated the bad posture it was in when he said he had escaped out of it, having much ado to get away with his life, Sa2 1:3. 2. He gives him a general account of the issue of the battle. David was very desirous to know how the matter went, as one that had more reason than any to be concerned for the public; and he told him very distinctly that the army of Israel was routed, many slain, and, among the rest, Saul and Jonathan, Sa2 1:4. He named only Saul and Jonathan, because he knew David would be most solicitous to know their fate; for Saul was the man whom he most feared and Jonathan the man whom he most loved. 3. He gives him a more particular account of the death of Saul. It is probable that David had heard, by the report of others, what the issue of the war was, for multitudes resorted to him, it should seem, in consequence; but he was desirous to know the certainty of the report concerning Saul and Jonathan, either because he was not forward to believe it or because he would not proceed upon it to make his own claims till he was fully assured of it. He therefore asks, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan are dead? in answer to which the young man tells him a very ready story, putting it past doubt that Saul was dead, for he himself had been not only an eye-witness of his death, but an instrument of it, and therefore David might rely upon his testimony. He says nothing, in his narrative, of the death of Jonathan, knowing how ungrateful that would be to David, but accounts only for Saul, thinking (as David understood it well enough, Sa2 4:10) that he should be welcome for that, and rewarded as one that brought good tidings. The account he gives of this matter is, (1.) Very particular. That he happened to go to the place where Saul was (Sa2 1:6) as a passenger, not as a soldier, and therefore an indifferent person, that he found Saul endeavouring to run himself through with his own spear, none of his attendants being willing to do it for him; and, it seems, he could not do it dexterously for himself: his hand and heart failed him. The miserable man had not courage enough either to live or die; he therefore called this stranger to him (Sa2 1:7), enquired what countryman he was, for, provided he was not a Philistine, he would gladly receive from his hand the coup de grace (as the French call it concerning those that are broken on the wheel) - the merciful stroke, that might dispatch him out of his pain. Understanding that he was an Amalekite (neither one of his subjects nor one of his enemies), he begs this favour from him (Sa2 1:9): Stand upon me, and slay me. He is now sick of his dignity and willing to be trampled upon, sick of his life and willing to be slain. Who then would be inordinately fond of life or honour? The case may he such, even with those that have no hope in their death, that yet they may desire to die, and death flee from them, Rev 9:6. Anguish has come upon me; so we read it, as a complaint of the pain and terror his spirit was seized with. If his conscience now brought to mind the javelin he had cast at David, his pride, malice, and perfidiousness, and especially the murder of the priests, no marvel that anguish came upon him: moles (they say) open their eyes when they are dying. Sense of unpardoned guilt will make death indeed the king of terrors. Those that have baffled their convictions will perhaps, in their dying moments, be overpowered by them. The margin reads it as a complaint of the inconvenience of his clothes; that his coat of mail which he had for defence, or his embroidered coat which he had for ornament, hindered him, that he could not get the spear far enough into his body, or so straitened him, now that his body swelled with anguish, that he could not expire. Let no man's clothes be his pride, for it may so happen that they may be his burden and snare. "Hereupon," saith our young man, "I stood upon him, and slew him" (Sa2 1:10) at which word, perhaps, he observed David look upon him with some show of displeasure, and therefore he excuses himself in the next words: "For I was sure he could not live; his life was whole in him indeed, but he would certainly have fallen into the hands of the Philistines or given himself another thrust." (2.) It is doubtful whether this story be true. If it be, the righteousness of God is to be observed, that Saul, who spared the Amalekites in contempt of the divine command, received his death's wound from an Amalekite. But most interpreters think that it was false, and that, though he might happen to be present, yet he was not assisting in the death of Saul, but told David so in expectation that he would reward him for it, as having done him a piece of good service. Those who would rejoice at the fall of an enemy are apt to measure others by themselves, and to think that they will do so too. But a man after God's own heart is not to be judged of by common men. I am not clear whether this young man's story was true or no: it may consist with the narrative in the chapter before, and be an addition to it, as Peter's account of the death of Judas (Act 1:18) is to the narrative, Mat 27:5. What is there called a sword may here be called a spear, or when he fell upon his sword he leaned on his spear. (3.) However he produced that which was proof sufficient of the death of Saul, the crown that was upon his head and the bracelet that was on his arm. It should seem Saul was so foolishly fond of these as to wear them in the field of battle, which made him a fair mark for the archers, by distinguishing him from those about him; but as pride (we say) feels no cold, so it fears no danger, from that which gratifies it. These fell into the hands of this Amalekite. Saul spared the best of their spoil, and now the best of his came to one of that devoted nation. He brought them to David, as the rightful owner of them now that Saul was dead, not doubting but by his officiousness herein to recommend himself to the best preferments in his court or camp. The tradition of the Jews is that this Amalekite was the son of Doeg (for the Amalekites were descendants from Edom), and that Doeg, who they suppose was Saul's armour-bearer, before he slew himself gave Saul's crown and bracelet (the ensigns of his royalty) to his son, and bade him carry them to David, to curry favour with him. But this is a groundless conceit. Doeg's son, it is likely, was so well known to Saul that he needed not ask him as he did this Amalekite (Sa2 1:8), Who art thou? David had been long waiting for the crown, and now it was brought to him by an Amalekite. See how God can serve his own purposes of kindness to his people, even by designing (ill-designing) men, who aim at nothing but to set up themselves.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Second Samuel 1:6 presents the Amalekite young man's dramatic and ultimately disputed account to David concerning the final moments of King Saul on Mount Gilboa. This verse vividly portrays Saul's desperate situation, cornered by Philistine chariots and horsemen, setting the stage for the king's demise and the significant transition of power in Israel. The Amalekite's testimony, delivered with an air of chance encounter, serves as the initial, problematic report of the monarchy's end.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Amalekite's account in this verse employs several significant literary devices to shape his narrative. Imagery is powerfully used to paint a vivid and desperate picture of Saul's final moments: a king "leaning upon his spear" while "chariots and horsemen followed hard after him" evokes a strong sense of being cornered, exhausted, and relentlessly pursued. This visual detail heightens the drama and tragic nature of Saul's predicament. There is also a potent element of dramatic irony at play, as the biblical reader is already aware of the true account of Saul's death from 1 Samuel 31:4-5, where Saul falls on his own sword. This creates an immediate tension between the Amalekite's fabricated story and the known truth, prompting the reader to critically question his credibility and motives from the outset. Furthermore, the description of Saul's desperate state and the overwhelming enemy forces serves as foreshadowing of his imminent death, marking the end of the first kingship in Israel and preparing the narrative for David's divinely ordained ascendance. The Amalekite's narrative itself functions as a foil to the true account, highlighting the contrast between human deceit and divine truth.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Amalekite's account, though ultimately false in its central claim regarding Saul's death, serves a profound theological purpose by highlighting the dire consequences of disobedience and the sovereign hand of God in the transition of power. Saul's desperate end on Mount Gilboa is a tragic culmination of a reign marked by his rejection of God's commands and his persistent self-reliance. Even in this moment of human deceit and military defeat, God's overarching plan for the monarchy, specifically the establishment of David's righteous reign, continues to unfold. The conflicting narratives also underscore the biblical emphasis on truth and discernment, reminding believers that not all testimonies, even those delivered with apparent conviction, are reliable. David's subsequent judgment of the Amalekite, despite the man's attempt to gain favor, demonstrates a profound reverence for God's anointed and a commitment to justice that transcends personal gain, reflecting a king after God's own heart who prioritizes divine truth and justice above all else.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Samuel 1:6, with its inherent tension between reported truth and biblical fact, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, not blindly accepting every narrative or claim, especially when motives for self-promotion, personal gain, or even political advantage may be at play. Just as David had to carefully weigh the Amalekite's testimony against his knowledge of God's character and the divine anointing, we are called to critically evaluate information through the lens of God's infallible Word and the Holy Spirit's guidance. Furthermore, Saul's tragic and desperate end serves as a sobering reminder of the long-term, cumulative consequences of persistent disobedience to God's revealed will. His life, marked by a gradual turning away from divine instruction and a reliance on his own strength, culminated in a moment of utter despair and defeat. This should prompt us to humbly consider the trajectory of our own lives, urging us towards consistent obedience, genuine repentance, and unwavering reliance on God's grace. Finally, the Amalekite's attempt to manipulate the truth for personal advancement highlights the dangers of deceit and the paramount importance of integrity in all circumstances. Our actions and words should always reflect a commitment to truth, knowing that genuine favor and lasting reward come from God alone, not from fabricated stories or self-serving narratives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the Amalekite lie about killing Saul?
Answer: The Amalekite most likely fabricated or significantly embellished his story, claiming to have delivered the final blow to King Saul, in a calculated attempt to gain favor and a substantial reward from David. He probably assumed that David, as Saul's rival and designated successor, would be pleased by the news of Saul's death and even more so by the one who claimed to have executed him. This was a profound misjudgment of David's character and his deep reverence for God's anointed king, regardless of Saul's personal failings or their past conflict. David's subsequent lament for Saul and Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1:17-27 and his swift execution of the Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1:15 clearly demonstrate the Amalekite's fatal error in judgment.
What is the significance of Mount Gilboa in this narrative?
Answer: Mount Gilboa was the geographical site of a devastating and pivotal battle where the Philistines decisively defeated the Israelites, resulting in the deaths of King Saul and three of his sons, including the beloved Jonathan. Its significance lies in being the place where the first monarchy of Israel effectively ended in tragedy, defeat, and national humiliation. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of Saul's disobedience and the vulnerability of Israel when not fully aligned with God's will. The battle on Mount Gilboa marked a profound low point in Israelite history, setting the stage for the new era under David's divinely appointed kingship.
How does David react to the Amalekite's story?
Answer: David's reaction to the Amalekite's story is one of profound grief, sorrow, and righteous indignation, not joy or gratitude. Upon hearing the news of Saul's and Jonathan's deaths, David and his men tear their clothes, weep, and mourn deeply, fasting until evening (2 Samuel 1:11-12). David then questions the Amalekite about his identity and, upon learning he is an Amalekite who "had no fear to stretch out your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed," David orders one of his young men to strike him down (2 Samuel 1:13-16). This demonstrates David's unwavering respect for God's chosen king, regardless of Saul's personal failings or their past conflict, and his commitment to upholding the sanctity of God's anointing.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate scene of King Saul cornered on Mount Gilboa by relentless enemies, leaning on his spear in a futile attempt to escape his inevitable end, stands in stark and profound contrast to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Saul's reign, marked by disobedience and culminating in a tragic, ignominious defeat, highlights the profound and desperate need for a perfect, eternal King. Unlike Saul, who faced a desperate physical battle and succumbed to his enemies, Jesus faced His ultimate battle not in defeat but in triumphant victory over sin and death. He willingly laid down His life, not because He was cornered by His enemies, but in perfect, redemptive obedience to His Father's will, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:7-8. The "chariots and horsemen" pursuing Saul represent earthly power and a limited, temporal kingdom that ultimately fails. In contrast, Jesus, though appearing weak and vulnerable on the cross, was in fact triumphing over the true spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the devil (Colossians 2:15). His "leaning" on the cross was not an act of desperation but a deliberate, sovereign, and redemptive act of self-sacrifice, fulfilling the divine purpose (Philippians 2:8). Saul's kingdom ended in failure and chaos; Christ's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures throughout all generations, a kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 7:14). The transition from Saul to David foreshadows the greater, perfect transition from human, fallible kingship to the perfect, divine reign of the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world and establishes a kingdom that will know no end (John 1:29; Revelation 11:15).