2 Samuel 1:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He said {H559} unto me again, Stand {H5975}, I pray thee, upon me, and slay {H4191} me: for anguish {H7661} is come {H270} upon me, because my life {H5315} is yet whole in me.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to me, 'I'm in agony, and I'm going to die, but I'm still alive. So please, stand next to me; and kill me.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then he begged me, ‘Stand over me and kill me, for agony has seized me, but my life still lingers.’

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Stand, I pray thee, beside me, and slay me; for anguish hath taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 1:9 records the Amalekite's dramatic, though likely fabricated, account of King Saul's final moments on Mount Gilboa. In this narrative, the Amalekite claims Saul, grievously wounded but still alive and in immense agony, desperately pleaded for a swift end to his suffering. The verse vividly portrays Saul's anguish and his desire for death over prolonged pain or capture, setting the stage for the revelation of his demise to David and the subsequent transition of power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of the book of 2 Samuel, immediately following the conclusion of 1 Samuel, which detailed Saul's tumultuous reign and tragic end. The Amalekite's arrival in [2 Samuel 1:1-10](/2_samuel/1-1 "2 Samuel 1:1-10 - The Amalekite's Report") serves as the primary source of information for David regarding the outcome of the devastating Battle of Gilboa. Crucially, the Amalekite's account of Saul's death, particularly the claim in this verse, directly contradicts the narrative presented in [1 Samuel 31:4-5](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4-5 - Saul Falls on His Own Sword"), where Saul falls on his own sword after his armor-bearer refuses to kill him. This discrepancy immediately raises questions about the Amalekite's veracity and sets up David's response to this news, culminating in the Amalekite's execution in [2 Samuel 1:16](/2_samuel/1-16 "2 Samuel 1:16 - David's Judgment on the Amalekite"). The entire chapter functions as a solemn transition, marking the definitive end of Saul's era and paving the way for David's kingship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were ancient enemies of Israel, with a long history of conflict dating back to the wilderness wanderings (e.g., [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). God had commanded their utter destruction (e.g., [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")), a command Saul himself had failed to fully execute, leading to his rejection as king ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek")). The Amalekite's presence on Mount Gilboa, where the battle took place, is plausible given their nomadic nature and opportunistic tendencies. His decision to approach David with this news, expecting a reward for delivering the "final blow" to Saul, reflects a cultural context where bringing news of a rival's death to a successor might be seen as a meritorious act. However, David's response demonstrates a profound respect for God's anointed, even a fallen king, transcending typical political opportunism.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **end of an era** and the **transition of power** from Saul to David, underscoring the divine hand in establishing David's kingship. Secondly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **suffering and despair**, as Saul's alleged plea for death illustrates the profound agony of a mortally wounded man facing a humiliating end. Thirdly, the Amalekite's likely fabrication introduces the theme of **deception and opportunism**, where an individual attempts to manipulate circumstances for personal gain, a theme that will recur throughout David's reign. Finally, David's subsequent judgment on the Amalekite in [2 Samuel 1:16](/2_samuel/1-16 "2 Samuel 1:16 - David's Justice") reinforces the theme of **divine justice** and the sacredness of God's anointed, even in their failure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anguish (Hebrew: צָרָה, _tsarah'_):** This word denotes distress, trouble, pain, or affliction. It often carries the connotation of being in a "tight place" or a constricted situation, emphasizing the severity of Saul's physical and emotional predicament. Here, it vividly portrays the excruciating suffering that led Saul to desperately seek an end to his life.
* **Life (Hebrew: נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh'_):** While often translated as "soul," _nephesh_ here refers to the living being, the self, or the vitality of a person. The phrase "my life [is] yet whole in me" (נַפְשִׁי עוֹד בִּי, _nafshi od bi_) literally means "my soul is still in me," indicating that Saul was fully conscious, his vital essence still present, and thus fully experiencing his profound pain, rather than merely fading away.
* **Slay (Hebrew: מוּת, _mut'_):** This verb means "to die" or "to kill." Saul's plea to "slay me" is a desperate request for an agent to bring about his death, highlighting his inability to effectively end his own life after being gravely wounded. It underscores the severity of his injuries and his desperate desire for a swift, merciful end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He said unto me again":** This clause immediately places the verse within the Amalekite's ongoing narrative to David, emphasizing that this is part of his personal testimony about the events on Mount Gilboa.
* **"Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me":** This is the core of Saul's alleged plea. "Stand upon me" suggests a request for a decisive, perhaps even forceful, action to ensure death. The direct command "slay me" conveys utter desperation, indicating Saul's desire for a quick end rather than prolonged suffering or the humiliation of capture by the Philistines.
* **"for anguish is come upon me":** This provides the immediate reason for Saul's plea. The "anguish" (צָרָה, _tsarah'_) describes his overwhelming physical and mental distress, making life unbearable.
* **"because my life [is] yet whole in me":** This further clarifies the nature of his anguish. Despite his mortal wounds, Saul was still fully conscious and alive, experiencing the full brunt of his pain. He was not fading into unconsciousness but was acutely aware of his suffering, prompting his desperate request for a final blow.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 1:9, as part of the Amalekite's testimony, employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the Amalekite, in claiming to have mercifully ended Saul's suffering, intends to gain favor from David, yet this very claim leads to his own execution. There is also a strong sense of **pathos** in the description of Saul's anguish; regardless of the Amalekite's veracity, the plea for a swift death due to unbearable pain evokes deep sympathy for the fallen king. The discrepancy between this account and [1 Samuel 31:4-5](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4-5 - Saul Falls on His Own Sword") creates a dramatic **tension** and invites the reader to discern truth from deception, highlighting the theme of **unreliable narration**. This tension ultimately serves to underscore David's character and his unwavering respect for God's anointed, even in death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though part of a disputed account, powerfully illustrates the depths of human suffering and the desperate desire for relief when life becomes unbearable. Theologically, it touches upon the sovereignty of God in the transition of power, even amidst human deception and tragedy. While the Amalekite's lie is condemned, the underlying reality of Saul's demise marks the end of a divinely appointed, yet ultimately disobedient, reign, making way for David, the man after God's own heart. It serves as a stark reminder that God's purposes will prevail, often through complex and even morally ambiguous human actions. The narrative also underscores the biblical emphasis on truthfulness, as the Amalekite's deception, intended to curry favor, results in his swift judgment.

* [1 Samuel 31:4-5](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4-5 - Saul's Actual Death")
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 2 Samuel 1:9, even if partially fabricated, presents a profound reflection on the nature of suffering and the human yearning for release from agony. It challenges us to consider our own responses to pain, both physical and emotional, and to cultivate compassion for those who are deeply distressed. While Saul's plea was for a physical end to his suffering, we are reminded that true and lasting relief from the anguish of sin and despair is found only in Christ. Furthermore, the Amalekite's opportunistic deception serves as a potent warning against dishonesty and manipulation for personal gain. It reminds us that integrity and truthfulness are paramount in God's eyes, and that attempting to capitalize on others' misfortunes or to embellish reality for selfish motives ultimately leads to ruin. We are called to live lives of transparency and honesty, trusting that God's plan will unfold without our deceitful interference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's alleged anguish resonate with human experiences of suffering today, and how should believers respond to such deep pain in themselves or others?**
* **What are the spiritual dangers of seeking personal advantage through deception, as exemplified by the Amalekite's actions?**
* **In what ways does this narrative, despite its ambiguities, affirm God's overarching sovereignty in bringing about His purposes, even through the end of one era and the beginning of another?**

### FAQ
**Was the Amalekite telling the truth about killing Saul?**

Answer: No, the overwhelming evidence from the biblical text indicates the Amalekite was not telling the truth. The account in [1 Samuel 31:4-5](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4-5 - Saul Falls on His Own Sword") explicitly states that Saul fell on his own sword after his armor-bearer refused to kill him. The Amalekite likely found Saul's body, perhaps took his crown and armlet, and then fabricated or embellished his story, hoping to gain favor and a reward from David for "delivering" him from his rival, Saul. David's swift judgment against the Amalekite in [2 Samuel 1:16](/2_samuel/1-16 "2 Samuel 1:16 - David's Judgment on the Amalekite") further underscores the falsehood of his claim, as David viewed the killing of God's anointed as an egregious offense, regardless of Saul's failures.

**Why did Saul ask to be killed, according to the Amalekite's story?**

Answer: According to the Amalekite's account in this verse, Saul was grievously wounded in battle but still alive and in immense pain. The phrase "anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me" vividly describes his condition: he was fully conscious and suffering terribly. He sought a quick death to end his agony and to avoid the humiliation, torture, or desecration that would likely follow capture by the Philistines. This desperate plea for a swift end aligns with the desperation Saul showed in [1 Samuel 31:4](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4 - Saul's Desperation") when he urged his armor-bearer to kill him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 1:9 describes the desperate plea of a fallen king facing a humiliating end, it subtly points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose suffering and death were of an entirely different nature and purpose. Saul's anguish was a consequence of his own choices and the battle's outcome, a desperate attempt to escape pain and shame. In stark contrast, Jesus willingly embraced suffering, not to escape agony, but to endure it for the salvation of humanity. His cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), was not a plea for an end to suffering, but the deepest expression of bearing the world's sin. Unlike Saul, who sought death to avoid further pain, Christ's death was a triumphant act, a voluntary sacrifice that conquered sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"); [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). The transition from Saul's failed kingship to David's righteous reign foreshadows the coming of Jesus, the true Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal, righteous, and brings true peace and deliverance from all anguish ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus"); [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

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.