CONTENTS
The event of the battle between Israel and the Philistines, in the overthrow of Israel and the death of Saul, and his three sons, this chapter opens with the relation of, as reported to David, by an Amalekite. The sacred historian, gives the account of the distress of David upon the occasion: his anger against the informer, who, thinking to have ingratiated himself with David, boasted of his having slain Saul, and is slain for it. David breaks out into a bitter lamentation on this event, and especially mourns over the death of his beloved Jonathan.
(1) В¶ 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;
David no doubt was busily engaged in repairing the injury the Amalekites had done to Ziklag while the Philistines' battle with Saul was going on. Though, no doubt, his anxiety concerning the event frequently made him send forth enquiries, David could not but be waiting the Lord's fulfillment of his promise concerning the kingdom. It was now several years since his being anointed, (seven at least, if not more) and therefore it was impossible but for his expectation to have been continually excited. Reader! In spiritual things God's people are continually anxious, though they know the promises of God in Christ Jesus to be yea and amen. The Lord hath said; Fear not little flock; it is your heavenly Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Yet it is also said, that it is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Luke 12:32; Lamentations 3:26.