2 Samuel 1:7
When he turned around and saw me, he called out and I answered, 'Here I am!'
When he turned around and saw me,

The Amalekite claimed that Saul noticed him on Mount Gilboa after the Philistine defeat. His account presents Saul as wounded, isolated, and facing the end of his reign.

Jhn 20:14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus…
2Ki 2:24 Then he turned around, looked at them…
Gen 18:2 And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby.…

he called out to me,

Saul’s call introduced the Amalekite’s claim that he became involved in the king’s final moments. The report stands in contrast to the account of Saul’s death in 1 Samuel 31, where Saul fell on his own sword.

1Sa 3:4 Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered…
Exo 3:4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look,…
Gen 22:11 Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him…

and I answered, ‘Here I am!’

The Amalekite portrayed himself as immediately available to Saul. His later request for reward and his possession of Saul’s crown and armlet reveal that he expected David to favor him for reporting Saul’s death.

Gen 31:11 In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’…
Gen 46:2 And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision:…
Gen 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The future king of Israel, who is mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan at this point in the account.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, who has died in battle against the Philistines.

3. Jonathan
Saul's son and David's close friend, also killed in the battle.

4. Amalekite Messenger
The young man who brings news of Saul's death to David, claiming to have killed Saul at Saul's request.

5. Mount Gilboa
The location where Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines.
Teaching Points
Readiness to Respond
The phrase "Here I am" signifies a readiness to respond to a call. As Christians, we should be attentive and ready to respond to God's call in our lives.

Integrity in Communication
The Amalekite's account contrasts with the biblical account of Saul's death. This highlights the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our communication.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Despite the chaos and tragedy of Saul's death, God's plan for David to become king is unfolding. Trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances.

The Consequences of Actions
The Amalekite's decision to claim responsibility for Saul's death, whether true or false, leads to his own demise. Our actions have consequences, and we must act with wisdom and integrity.

Mourning and Respect
David's lament for Saul and Jonathan shows respect and honor, even for those who opposed him. We are called to love and respect others, regardless of past conflicts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the Amalekite's claim about Saul's death differ from the account in 1 Samuel 31, and what can this teach us about the importance of truthfulness?

2. In what ways can we be more attentive and ready to respond to God's call in our daily lives, similar to the response "Here I am"?

3. How does David's reaction to Saul's death demonstrate respect and honor, and how can we apply this in our relationships with others?

4. What does this passage teach us about the consequences of our actions, and how can we ensure our actions align with God's will?

5. How does the unfolding of events in 2 Samuel 1:7 reflect God's sovereignty, and how can this encourage us in times of uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 31
Provides the account of Saul's death, offering context to the Amalekite's account.

Exodus 3:4
The phrase "Here I am" echoes Moses' response to God at the burning bush, indicating readiness and attentiveness.

Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah's response to God's call, "Here I am, send me," parallels the theme of being available for God's purposes.
Selfish CraftD. Fraser 2 Samuel 1:2-10
The Amalekite MessengerC. Ness.2 Samuel 1:2-16
The Man Who Professed to have Slain SaulR. Young, M. A.2 Samuel 1:2-16
Tidings from GilboaJ. A. Miller.2 Samuel 1:2-16
A Sad End of a Perverse LifeG. Wood 2 Samuel 1:6-10
People
Amalekites, David, Jasher, Jonathan, Saul
Places
Ashkelon, Gath, Gilboa, Mount Gilboa, Ziklag
Topics
Answering, Behind, Calleth, Cry, Turneth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 1:1-10

     5426   news

2 Samuel 1:4-12

     4254   mountains

Library
The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Christ Crowned, the Fact
"When God sought a King for His people of old, He went to the fields to find him; A shepherd was he, with his crook and his lute And a following flock behind him. "O love of the sheep, O joy of the lute, And the sling and the stone for battle; A shepherd was King, the giant was naught, And the enemy driven like cattle. "When God looked to tell of His good will to men, And the Shepherd-King's son whom He gave them; To shepherds, made meek a-caring for sheep, He told of a Christ sent to save them.
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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