2Sa 1:1
1:1 Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was
    returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had
    abode two days in Ziklag;

 The Argument - This book and the former are called Samuel,
    because they contain the conception, birth and the whole
    course of his life, and also the lives and acts of two
    kings, that is, of Saul and David, whom he anointed and
    consecrated kings by the ordinance of God. The first book
    contains those things which God brought to pass among this
    people under the government of Samuel and Saul. This second
    book declares the noble acts of David, after the death of
    Saul when he began to reign, to the end of his kingdom, and
    how it was expanded by him. It also contains the great
    troubles and dangers he sustained both within his house and
    without, the horrible and dangerous insurrections, uproars,
    and treasons wrought against him, partly by false
    counsellors, feigned friends and flatterers and partly by his
    own children and people. By God's assistance he overcame all
    difficulties, and enjoyed his kingdom in rest and peace. In
    the person of David the scripture sets forth Christ Jesus
    the chief king, who came from David according to the flesh,
    and was persecuted on every side with outward and inward
    enemies, as well in his own person, as in his members, but
    at length he overcomes all his enemies, and gives his Church
    victory against all power both spiritual and temporal; and
    so reigns with them, king for ever.

2Sa 1:2
1:2 It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man
    came out of the camp from Saul with {a} his clothes rent,
    and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to
    David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

    (a) Seeming to lament the overthrow of the people of
        Israel.

2Sa 1:6
1:6 And the young man that told him said, {b} As I happened by
    chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his
    spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard
    after him.

    (b) As I fled the chase.

2Sa 1:8
1:8 And he said unto me, Who [art] thou? And I answered him, I
    [am] an {c} Amalekite.

    (c) He was an Amalekite born, but renounced his country and
        joined with the Israelites.

2Sa 1:9
1:9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay
    me: for anguish is come upon me, because my {d} life [is]
    yet whole in me.

    (d) I am sorry, because I am yet alive.

2Sa 1:13
1:13 {e} And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence
     [art] thou? And he answered, I [am] the son of a stranger,
     an Amalekite.

     (e) After the lamentation, he examined him again.

2Sa 1:16
1:16 And David said unto him, {f} Thy blood [be] upon thy head;
     for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have
     slain the LORD'S anointed.

     (f) You are justly punished for your fault.

2Sa 1:18
1:18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah {g} [the use
     of] the bow: behold, [it is] written in the book of
     Jasher.)

     (g) That they might be able to match their enemies the
         Philistines in that art.

2Sa 1:19
1:19 The beauty of Israel is {h} slain upon thy high places: how
     are the mighty fallen!

     (h) Meaning Saul.

2Sa 1:21
1:21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let there be] no dew, neither [let
     there be] rain, upon you, nor {i} fields of offerings: for
     there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the
     shield of Saul, [as though he had] not [been] anointed with
     oil.

     (i) Let their fertile fields be barren, and bring forth no
         fruit to offer to the Lord.

2Sa 1:23
1:23 Saul and Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their
     lives, and in their death they were not {k} divided: they
     were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

     (k) They died both together in Gilboa.

2Sa 1:24
1:24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in
     scarlet, {l} with [other] delights, who put on ornaments of
     gold upon your apparel.

     (l) As rich garments and costly jewels.

2Sa 1:26
1:26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very
     pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was
     wonderful, passing the love of {m} women.

     (m) Either toward their husbands or their children.