1 Samuel 31:1

Israel fled. The armies of Israel appeared to have the tactical advantage in choosing Mt. Gilboa for their stand. It was difficult, from a military point of view, for the Philistines to cross the river Jalud and fight their way up Mt. Gilboa. Nevertheless Israel fell. The apostasy of Saul, who sought help from a familiar spirit, had precipitated the disaster. Israel had been forewarned that in the day of their refusal to be guided by the Lord’s statutes and covenant, they would “flee when none pursueth” (Lev. 26:17).

Fell down slain. Or, “fell down wounded.” The primary meaning of the Hebrew verb chalal, from which is derived the noun here translated “slain,” is “to pierce.” It may mean to wound fatally, or merely to wound without inflicting immediate death, as is its meaning in v. 3.

Now it came to pass. This statement is the natural connecting link between the events of 1 Samuel 30 and 31 and the events now to be narrated. There is no break between the two books of Samuel, the events of this chapter being a continuation of the preceding history, without any interruption.

The death of Saul. This was the decisive event that opened the way for David’s succession to the throne. At the time of the fatal battle between Saul and the Philistines, David had been engaged in his attack upon the Amalekites, who had spoiled Zildag (1 Samuel 30). Some time elapsed before he learned of Saul’s death.