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This begins the new book of 2 Samuel. When an Amalekite turns up in David’s camp, he brings news of the Israelite defeat and the death of Saul and Jonathan. He also gives David Saul’s crown and bracelet in an attempt to ingratiate himself. And he reveals that he killed Saul at his request before the Philistines could torture or further desecrate his body. But David executes him instead, and writes a lament for the fallen leaders.

Notes on 2 Samuel 1:1-27

King Saul’s reign ends in tragedy as Israel’s army is routed by the Philistines, and Saul takes his own life under confusing circumstances. The body of Saul and his sons are desecrated and hung up in a Philistine city. The men of Jabesh-gilead, remembering Saul’s saving them in the early stage of his kingship, take down the bodies, burn them and bury the bones.

Notes on 1 Samuel 31:1-13

The Philistine leaders don’t trust David to join their invasion of Israel, so he and his men are sent back to Ziklag. They find a disaster – the Amalekites have burned their homes and captured their wives and children. In his greatest moment of despair, David “encourages himself in the Lord.” God assures him he will prevail, and David and his men defeat the Amalekites, recover everyone alive and distribute the extra spoils to those who had aided him in Israel.

Notes on 1 Samuel 29:1-11 and 30:1-31

When the Philistine army invades, Saul needs a word from God on what to do. But God is silent. So instead, Saul seeks out a medium, someone who can conjure up the dead. He asks her to summon the dead prophet Samuel. But Samuel’s message is devastating for Saul, and predicts defeat and death.

Notes on 1 Samuel 28:1-25

David imagines Saul will never give up pursuing him. In his despair he decides to flee to the Philistine King Achish along with his men and their families, and sign on as mercenaries. This proves to be a disastrous decision in the long run, but provides a lesson in faith for us.

Notes on 1 Samuel 27:1-12

The Ziphites again betray David’s location, and again David spares Saul, this time taking his spear and a jug of water by his side as he sleeps. And again Saul regrets his pursuit of David and blesses him. But regret is not the same as repentance, and Saul’s jealousy of David would continue.

Notes on 1 Samuel 26:1-25