Ver. 1. Now the Philistines.] See on 1 Samuel 31:1,2, &c.
Ver. 2. And the Philistines slew Jonathan.] Though a pious and valiant prince. “ Non te tua plurima, Pentheu, Labentem texit pietas.’’—Ovid. “ Cadit et Ripheus iustissimus unus, Qui fuit in Teucris, et servantissimus aequi.’’—Virg.
Ver. 3. And the battle went sore against Saul.] The weight of the war was turned against him. See the like policy used, 1 Kings 22:31. This is the right bird, said that officer of the cuirassiers, who shot the king of Sweden through the body at the battle of Lutzen. And he was wounded of the archers.] Heb., He was grieved, or frighted: he, who by his tyranny had been terrible and grievous to others, &c., his sin hath found him out, being worse than any archer’s. A horse soldier wearing a cuirass.
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. 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. Aurel. Victor. Sueton.
Ver. 5. He fell likewise on his sword, and died.] He had done better if he had died by the hand of the enemy, in his master’s defence.
Ver. 6. And all his house died together.] His courtiers and evil counsellors, who had sinned with him, perished with him.
Ver. 7. And the Philistines came and dwelt in them.] But before they were well warm in these their new nests, David unroosted and dislodged them “The triumphing of the wicked is but short.” (Job 20:5)
Ver. 8. And it came to pass on the morrow.] They flew not on the spoil, till they had secured the victory: for “ Victorem a victo superari saepe videmus. ”
Ver. 9. They took his head.] Heb., His brainpan; the seat of his understanding; wherein he had hammered so many evil devices against good David and others. To carry tidings.] Ad evangelizandum.
Ver. 10. And fastened his head.] In way of abuse and mockage; so, that which Saul feared came upon him. (1 Chronicles 10:4)
Ver. 11. And when all Jabeshgilead.] See 1 Samuel 31:11. Jabeshgilead had not many inhabitants; but being all of a mind, they did great matters.
Ver. 12. And took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons.] Which the Philistines, in disgrace of them, had fastened to the wall of Bethshan, afterwards called Scythopolis. And fasted seven days.] A tanto, but not a toto, as Daniel 10:2. In public calamities lugendum, scilicet non indulgendum genio, men must be deeply affected with the divine displeasure.
Ver. 13. So Saul died, &c.] This and the subsequent verse we have here about the causes of Saul’s death, more than that we read in 1 Samuel 31:3-6.; like as we meet with many remarkable passages in St Mark, that are not in Matthew or Luke. For his transgression which he committed.] “Adding rebellion to sin,” (Job 34:37) for he was not so very bad at first, as neither is any wicked person. He first neglected the word of God, and then despised it, and then harboured in his heart hypocrisy, hatred, envy, cruelty, &c. Here he is taxed for three vices especially: (1.) For flat disobedience, which “is as the sin of witchcraft”; (1 Samuel 15:23) (2.) For consulting with a witch; (3.) For not inquiring of the Lord. He did not “draw nigh to God with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having his heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, and his body washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)
Ver. 14. And inquired not of the Lord.] He did, and yet he did not. [See Trapp on “1Sa 28:6”] Therefore he slew him.] He killed him with death, as Revelation 2:23. And turned the kingdom unto David.] Though it were long first, and after many trials and tribulations. Sic petitur caelum; heaven is not to be had, but after much pains and patience. “ Durate, et vosmet rebus servate secundis”