Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
Ver. 4. Lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me.] Heb., Mock me. He was more solicitous about his own glory than the glory of God and salvation of his poor soul.
But his armourbearer would not.] The like unhappiness befell Nero, who hearing that the senate had proclaimed him a public enemy to mankind, and condemned him to be whipped to death, entreated that some one of those that were with him would kill him; which when they refused to do, he cried out, Itaque nec amicum habeo nec inimicure: What I have I neither friend nor foe to do me this last good office? and so struck himself through with his own sword, and was a horrible spectacle to all beholders. a
So Saul took a sword.] A just hand of God upon him for his cruelty at Nob and other places. Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur.
a Aurel. Victor. Sueton.