After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage. David said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” And David said to him, “How did it go? Tell me.” And he answered, “The people fled from the battle, and also many of the people have fallen and are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” And the young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear, and behold, the chariots and the horsemen were close upon him. And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. And I answered, ‘Here I am.’ And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ And he said to me, Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers.
Comment: There are some Old Testament people whose names are almost known worldwide – Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David are probably the most commonly known. The second book of Samuel starts from Saul’s death when David takes over as the king, a position prophesied as his by the prophet Samuel. It extends from the time of Saul’s death until in frail old age he limps into the next historical book of the Bible (1 Kings), David is the centre of the continuing story of Israel as it develops as the People of God.
Although Saul and David had a very troubled relationship and in spite of all that had gone on between them, David saw Saul as God’s anointed King until God removed Saul. At the end of 1Samuel we are told that Saul fell on his own sword. Did this young man, who came to David, wield the final death blow to Saul? Or did He just make up a story to try and get favour with the one whom he knew had been a strong contender for the kingship? What will David do for this young man?
Prayer: Teach me mercy and integrity please.
As I read it! 