1 Samuel Chapter 30
30:1. Saul had failed to annihilate the Amalekites (cf. 15:2, 3, 10-19).
30:26-31. David's sharing of the spoils of the victory over the Amalekites not only assured them of his gratitude
for their friendship and help during his days of flight from the presence of Saul, but would convince his allies of his
loyalty, despite the time spent with Achish. Moreover, it would prepare their hearts for his soon-coming kingship.
Hebron, mentioned last, stands in climatic position in the list, for David would make it his first capital city (cf. 2
Sam. 2:1-7). For the Amalekites, see the note on Judges 3:12, 13.
1 Samuel Chapter 31
31:3-6. The text plainly records that Saul died. (For a parallel account, see 1 Chr. 10.) Accordingly, the suggested
contradiction in details in 2 Samuel 1:9, 10 must be viewed as a fabricated tale told by an Amalekite to gain
David's favor. See the note on 2 Samuel 1:6-10, 15, 16.
31:10. For Ashtaroth, see the note on Judges 2:11-15.
31:11-13. Saul had once delivered the cities of Jabesh-gilead from danger (11:1-11). Accordingly, some of their
heroic warriors recovered the body of their champion, Saul, together with those of his sons (cf. 1 Chr. 10:11, 12).
Subsequently, David retrieved their remains and buried them in their ancestral burial grounds (cf. 2 Sam. 21:12-
14).
Cremation was at times a sign of shame (Lev. 20:14, 21:9) or public judgement (Josh. 7:25). Perhaps the burning
was done to mutilate the bodies (cf. v. 9). First Chronicles 10:13, 14 asserts that Saul's death was God's
judgement on him.