2 SAMUEL 1

DAVID SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF SAUL’S DEATH 

After the battle with the Amalkites, David returns to Ziklag, where he was living with the Philistines. David knew that a battle was happening between Israel and the Philistines, but was unaware that Saul and his sons died.

An Amalakite messenger travels to Ziklag to tell David of Saul’s death. Instead of telling David the truth of what happened to Saul, that he ended his own life by falling on his sword, the messenger takes credit for killing King Saul.

Instead of being excited by this news and proud of the messenger, David mourns Saul's death and has the messenger killed for claiming to have killed Saul. David knew not to kill God’s appointed king and he was appalled that the Amalkite messenger would be proud of killing Saul.

Although Saul attempted to kill David on many occasions, David is saddened and distressed by Saul’s death and the death of Jonathan, his closest friend.