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2 Samuel 1:1

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¶ 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;

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};

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

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

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

This verse marks the crucial transition point from the reign of Saul to the beginning of David's ascendancy as king over all Israel. It sets the scene immediately after a significant period of conflict and personal trial for David.

Context

Second Samuel opens right after the events detailed in the final chapters of 1 Samuel. Specifically, this verse places us just after the death of King Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa during the battle with the Philistines. David, having been in exile from Saul's pursuit, was allied (though tenuously) with the Philistines. He had recently returned to his base at Ziklag after being dismissed from the Philistine army before the battle where Saul died. Upon returning to Ziklag, David found it raided by the Amalekites and pursued them, achieving a great victory and recovering all that was lost. This verse tells us David had been in Ziklag for two days following this victory when the news of Saul's death arrived, initiating the events of 2 Samuel.

Key Themes

  • Transition of Power: The verse signifies the end of Saul's era and the imminent beginning of David's reign, albeit initially over Judah only.
  • Divine Timing: It highlights that David was not present at the battle where Saul died, underscoring God's hand in separating David from Saul's fate and timing David's rise.
  • Aftermath of Conflict: David's return from the "slaughter of the Amalekites" reminds us of the constant struggle and warfare characteristic of this period in Israel's history.
  • David's Location: Being in Ziklag, a Philistine territory base, during Saul's death emphasizes David's complex position outside the main Israelite conflict zone.

Reflection

The opening of 2 Samuel shows us David in a state of waiting and recovery after a personal victory, unaware of the monumental shift that has just occurred in the kingdom he is destined to lead. It reminds us that God's plans unfold in His perfect timing, often while we are engaged in the tasks and trials immediately before us. David was faithful in leading his men and recovering from the Amalekite raid (see 1 Samuel 30), and it was in this posture of faithfulness in his current circumstances that the news arrived that would change his future forever. This can encourage us to remain faithful and diligent in our present situations, trusting that God is orchestrating the larger events of our lives and the world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 27:6 (-1 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 30:17 (-2 votes)

    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 (-2 votes)

    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 (-2 votes)

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