When you compare the description of Saul’s death in this chapter with that in 1 Samuel 31, you will find two different stories of how Saul died. 1 Samuel 31:4-5 tells us that he died at his own hand by falling on his own sword. In 2 Samuel 1:9-10 we are told that he was killed by the Amalekite. Is there a contradiction? No. The second account is that of the Amalekite himself who thought he would receive a reward for killing David’s enemy.
God knows how to reward the righteous and punish the wicked. Those who stayed by the stuff got their share of the spoil and Saul received the end of his disobedience (Romans 2:6)
God begins to fulfill His prophecy concerning David. But even now, David’s right to the entire kingdom is contested.
What a difference we see between Saul and David. One impressed men by his exterior appearance; the other impressed God by the condition of his heart.
An overview of 1 Samuel including statistics of the book and background material.
