“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;”
Cross references: : 1 Sam. 30:17
“It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.”
Seeming to lament the overthrow of the people of Israel.
“And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.”
Or, captains. As I fled in the chase.
“And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.”
He was an Amalekite born, but renounced his country, and joined with the Israelites.
“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. anguish: or, my coat of mail (or, my embroidered coat) hindereth me, that my, etc”
Hebrew, stand upon. I am sorry, because I am yet alive.
“And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger , an Amalekite.”
After the lamentation, he examined him again.
“And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.”
Thou art justly punished for thy fault.
“(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) of Jasher: or, of the upright”
That they might be able to match their enemies the Philistines in that art. Or, righteous. Josh. 10:13
“Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.”
Let their fertile fields be barren, and bring forth no fruit to offer to the Lord.
“Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. pleasant: or, sweet”
They died both together in Gilboa.
“Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.”
As rich garments and costly jewels.
“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.”
Either toward their husbands, or their children.