1 Sam. 31 The Israelites are smitten by the Philistines: Saul’s sons are slain: Saul is wounded: he falleth on his own sword; as doth his armour-bearer, 1 Sam. 31:1–6. The rest flee; and the Philistines possess their towns, and triumph over the dead carcasses, 1 Sam. 31:7–10.

The Philistines fought against Israel, whilst David was engaged against the Amalekites. So he returns to the history, which had been interrupted to give an account of David’s concerns.

The Philistines slew Jonathan, David’s dear friend; God so ordering it for the further exercise of David’s faith and patience; and that David might depend upon God alone for his crown, and receive it solely from him, and not from Jonathan; who doubtless, had he lived, would have speedily settled…

Thrust me through, and abuse me; lest they take me, and put me to some shameful and cruel death. Saul took a sword, and fell upon it, and died of the wound, as it follows.

Of the valley, to wit, the valley of Jezreel, where the battle was fought. On the other side Jordan; or rather, on this side Jordan; for these were in the most danger; and the Hebrew preposition is indifferently used for on this side, or for beyond.

They cut off his head, as the Israelites did by Goliath. To publish it in the house of their idols, to give them the glory of this victory.

Jabesh-gilead, which was beyond Jordan; for the people on this side Jordan were fled from their cities, as was now said.

Burnt their flesh, after the manner.

To testify their sorrow for the public loss of Saul, and of the people of God; and to entreat God’s favour to prevent the utter extinction of his people.