1 Samuel 31:10

The crown. The Amalekite was evidently one of the first to come upon the body of Saul, inasmuch as he was able to recover the crown and bracelet. He presented these articles as positive proof that Saul was dead. The offering of these emblems of royalty to David shows that the young man recognized David as the future king. For his pains the young man expected a rich reward.

Ashtaroth. The plural form of Ashtoreth, a goddess otherwise known as Astarte, and often confused with the other similar Canaanite goddesses Asherah and Anath. The goddess is often mentioned in the Bible in connection with the Canaanite god Baal (also called Hadad). To the Philistines, putting Saul’s head in the temple of Dagon and his armor in the house of Ashtaroth meant victory over Israel’s God, Yahweh.

Beth-shan. At the eastern end of the Valley of Jezreel, Beth-shan, now Tell el-Husn, near modern Beisan, was 8 or 10 mi. (13 or 16 km.) from the battlefield. It is uncertain whether the town had been occupied by the Philistines previously or had been taken subsequent to the battle.