2 Samuel 3:1

2 Samuel 3:1 says, Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.  Those following David as king and those following Saul’s son Ishbosheth as king continued to fight, but David and his followers grew stronger while those following Saul's son grew weaker weaker.  The followers of Christ may not grow stronger in this lifetime as David did, and though they were all Israelites, he was the one ordained by God. but we will one day have the everlasting victory.  Verse two adds, And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;  We are now told of the birth of some of David's sons, all by different women, and we know this certainly wasn't in accordance with God's plan for marriage and the family.  Christians still make at times commit sins today in terms of marriage and family, but that doesn't mean that God gives up on them and casts them out of His family, but it also doesn't mean that it was ever acceptable to Him nor within His will.  The next few verses list more of David's children and names of their mothers.  Verse three states, And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;  Verse four adds, And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; Verse five continues,  And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.  Verse six states, And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.  The war continued between those following David and those following Saul’s son Ishbosheth, who was basically giving Abner the power.  Abner had anointed him king after all.  Abner had made himself even stronger in the house of Saul.  We do know that there is always someone who will assume the role of authority among those who fight against the followers of Christ today.  Verse seven adds, And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?  Evidently in making himself stronger with those following Ishbosheth, Abner began a relationship with one of Saul's concubines, and Ishbosheth asked him why he had done this.  Ishbosheth was after all the ordained king, even if he was not ordained by God, and therefore had the right to question Abner, but Abner resented it. There is often disagreement and power struggles with those who are not Christians today, but we don't need the same thing to happen among those who are.  Verse eight continues, Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog’s head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?  Abner asked Ishbosheth if he thought Abner was like a dog with no rights, even though he had kept Ishbosheth from being delivered into David's hand.  Of course, we have no evidence that David ever had any ill intentions toward Ishbosheth, at least before Abner anointed him king and started fighting against David.  People of the world today still often believe that it is their right to do whatever they want to do, even if they aren't the official ruler.  Verse nine states, So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;  Abner basically said that he was the power behind Ishbosheth being king.  He had a strongly elevated opinion of himself, even to the point of defying both David and God to anoint Ishbosheth king.  There are still to many people who are fighting against God today who have an elevated opinion of themselves.  Verse ten adds, To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.  Abner continued to speak about how he had kept the entire kingdom from following David as king.  Verse eleven continues, And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.  Ishbosheth, though anointed king by Abner, but not by God, could not answer Abner, because he was afraid of him.  It would seem that Ishbosheth was more a figurehead than a real king.  Some supposed rulers today are still the same way, fearing those closest to them and being afraid to speak out against them.  Verse twelve concludes, And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.  Abner now sent a messenger to David proposing that he join forces with David and deliver all of Israel to David's rule.  Of course, Abner was still placing himself in a position of importance if not power. Switching sides is nothing unusual in the rulers of the world today.

2 Samuel 2:24

2 Samuel 2:24 says, Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.  Joab and Abishai chased after Abner.  They had not been disheartened by the death of their brother but were angry instead and caught up with Abner.  We cannot be disheartened by the death of our brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they are unjustly killed, but must be even more determined to continue in the battle against evil.  Of course, I don't think we should act out of anger and we should have all the facts before we act, and everything should be done under the guidance of God.  Verse twenty-five adds, And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.  All of the men of Benjamin, who were noted as being men of valor, stood with Abner.  We should not become disheartened if great forces stand against us today, but should rely on our faith in God even more.  Verse twenty-six continues, Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?  Abner appealed to Joab for peace, so that those who were called to be God's people would not continue killing each other and become bitter towards one another.  As Matthew Henry points out, Abner was responsible for the battle to start with, and now that he had been basically defeated, he wanted peace.  He also points out that had Abner had the upper hand, he might not have been so inclined to desire peace.  We need to be careful that we as Christians do not begin to battle one another and become bitter.  Verse twenty-seven states, And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.  Joab said as surely as God lives, which is an absolute certainty, that had Abner not spoken up, there certainly would have been war come morning.  We sometimes may need to simply talk to one another to avoid hostility toward one another, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.  Verse twenty-eight adds, So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.  Joab sounded the trumpet, and the war against Abner and his troops ended.  Matthew Henry also points out that Joab knew that David wouldn't approve of them killing any of God's chosen people.  God will still never approve of Christians battling one another.  One day, God is going to sound the trumpet and all war is going to end, but until He does, we need to make sure that our fighting is not with our fellow Christians.  Verse twenty-nine continues, And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.  Abner and his troops went on an all night march to put distance between Joab and them.  There is coming a day when all of God's enemies are going to retreat, but it will do them no good.  Verse thirty says, And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel.  When Joab gathered his troops, they had lost nineteen men, plus Asahel, which would have included the initial twelve I assume. Though their loss wasn't that great, they had lost men to their fellow Israelites.  Even if our losses aren't great, I don't believe that God will ever approve of Christians fighting each other, much less killing each other.  This will never bring honor and glory to God.  Verse thirty-one adds, But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.  Abner’s forces weren't so fortunate.   They had lost three- hundred and sixty men.  Of course, they were the ones who were not following God's plan, because God had anointed David king.  Still, they were a part of God's Chosen People, and they should have never been at war with others of God's people.  Whether we are on the winning or losing side in a fight amongst God's people, God will never approve of the battle.  The Philistines and other enemies of Israel were probably enjoying the fact that they were fighting amongst themselves, just as people of the world enjoy seeing followers of Christ fighting against one another today.  Verse thirty-two continues, And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.  Joab and his men took Asahel and buried him with his father in Bethlehem, and then they traveled all night to get back to Hedron.  They had ceased in their battle against Abner and his troops and returned to where David was.  We need to cease in our battle with other Christians if we are having one and return to where God is.

2 Samuel 2:1

2 Samuel 2:1 says, And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.  David did not immediately attack the Philistines occupying Israel, but he first consulted God about whether he should or not, and God told him to go.  We should always pray before we take any action, especially any that might be taken rashly out of anger.  David then asked God where he should go and God told him Hebron.  If God is telling us to go, we need to make sure we know where He is telling us to go. Verse two adds, So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite.  David, who was now indeed king whether the majority of the people of Israel knew it or not, took his two wives and went as God had told him to do.  There would really be no need to return, as there is no need for us to return to where we were before answering God's call, especially the call to salvation.  Verse three continues, And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.  David also brought his men and all their households with him and they lived in Hebron.  After we have responded to God's call, we need to bring as many people to Him to join us in the battle against evil as we can.  Verse four states, And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.  The people of Hebron anointed David as their king, but he had already been anointed as king of Israel by God through Samuel.  Once we are called to a particular role by God, it is nice to have people acknowledge it, but not necessary, and if God hasn't called us, then the appointment by people does not matter.  Verse five adds, And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.  David had been told of the fact that the men of Jabeshgilead had buried Saul, and he sent messengers to thank them for their kindness in doing this.  We should always be thankful for the good works of others and let them know that we are.  Verse six continues, And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.  David said that as they had shown kindness to Saul in buring his sons and him, that David was going to need them to show kindness to him.  He did not make demands on them.  We should go to people asking for their help if we need it and never attempt to demand it, even though David as king could have.  Verse seven concludes, Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.  David asked them to be valiant for their master Saul and said that the people of Hebron had anointed him as their king.  He didn't mention Samuel anointing him years before under God's authority, since Samuel was dead and this would have been harder to verify.  Though ultimately God's call is all that matters, it is always better if other people can verify the fact that they know this to be true also.  Verse eight adds, But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;  Abner, the captain of Saul's army took Ishbosheth, one of Saul's sons who had not been killed, and brought him to Mahanaim.  Abner evidently felt that he was the authority, even though Israel had been defeated and Saul killed while he was in charge of the army.  Some people today who have failed to do what they are called to do still want the authority to do it.  Verse nine adds, And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.  Abner anointed Ishbosheth as king over all of Israel, without consulting God.  There are still people who assume authority in God's kingdom that God has not given them.  Verse ten says, Ishbosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.  Ishbosheth reigned over Israel for two years starting when he was forty, except for Hebron, which acknowledged David as king.  Having many people acknowledge them as being the one to fill a particular position does not mean that God appointed them to it.  Verse eleven adds, And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.  David was king of Hebron for seven years and six months.  He still was not claiming his God anointed role as king over all of Israel and evidently the Philistines were not giving them too much trouble.  Once we know what God has called us to do, we shouldn't be content in doing any less.

2 Samuel 2:12

2 Samuel 2:12 says, And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.  Verse thirteen adds, And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.  Abner and the servants of Saul's son that he had anointed king and Joab and the servants of David ended up on different sides of a pool one morning.  Evidently, there was very little interaction between the two groups.  We may have two groups of people today who both claim to be God's people, but one may be basing this on man-made laws instead of God's laws.  Verse fourteen continues, And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.  Abner, who had basically assumed authority of Israel even though he had ordained Saul's son Ishbosheth as king, proposed a contest between his men and Joab's or David’s men,and Joab agreed.  Though it says let them play, we will see that this was a deadly contest.  We need to be careful that we don't get into contests with the people of the world today just to prove who is better, and especially without first consulting God about the matter.  Verse fifteen states, Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.  Twelve men from each side went out to face each other.  Verse sixteen adds, And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon.  The twelve men from each side killed each other, so this was hardly playing or a game.  If we begin to play games with people of the world, it may become deadly,  particularly if we are just attempting to show off.  Verse seventeen continues, And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David. This resulted in a great battle, which Abner's forces lost.  Even though God was not consulted before the original contest and maybe not afterward, those who were serving His anointed king were victorious.  As Christians we may act without consulting God today, but we are still ultimately going to be the victors in the battle with those who are not.  Verse eighteen says, And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.  The three sons of Zeruiah, Joab, Abishai and Asahel were there, and Asahel was a fast runner.   Verse nineteen adds, And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.  After being defeated, Abner had evidently fled, and Asahel chased him, not turning aside at all.  He was only focused on catching Abner without giving a lot of thought about what he would do if he caught him.  We can't get so focused on what we have decided to do that we forget to ask for God's guidance in the situation and also without knowing what we are going to do if we achieve our goal.  Verse twenty states, Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.  Abner saw Asahel pursuing him, and he had caught up enough for Abner to identify him and know who he was.  Verse twenty-one adds,  And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.  Abner asked Asahel to turn aside and take as a prisoner or kill one of his young troops and take his armor. Asahel was still determined to capture or kill Abner, and nothing less was going to satisfy him, even though he had placed himself in a dangerous situation.  We should never just doggedly follow our own plan without thinking about all the consequences.  Verse twenty-two continues, And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?  Abner wasn't asking Asahel to turn aside because he was afraid of him, but because he was afraid of Joab if he did kill him.  Non Christians may not be afraid of us today, but they certainly should be afraid of our God Whom we represent.  That is not to compare Joab to God, but to say that he was a representative of God since he served David, who was anointed by God.  Verse twenty-three concludes, Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.  Abner killed Asahel, and everyone who passed the point where this happened would pause to note his death.  Abner had used a sneaky move we might say to kill Asahel, and all of his swiftness did Asahel no good.  The skills that we are most proud of may be of no use to us in the battle against evil in the world today, and our pride in them may lead us to do rash things.

2 Samuel 1:17

2 Samuel 1:17 says, And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:  David lamented, or mourned, over Saul’s death, even though he had been trying to kill him, just as He did for Jonathan, who was his friend and was helping him.  People sometimes tend to mourn the death of their friends and celebrate the death of their enemies, but I am not sure that we should ever celebrate the death of anyone, especially those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  We shouldn't want even our worst enemies to spend eternity in hell, because Jesus died for them just as He died for us.  Verse eighteen adds, (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) David taught the people of Israel to use the bow. Matthew Henry says that this was likely a musical instrument instead of a bow used in war, and it was used in mourning Saul and Jonathan.  We are told this is written in the book of Jasher, which we have no copy of.  Not all things written by God's people became a part of the scriptures or are even preserved.  Still, Matthew Henry says it was written down so that we have at least fragments of it today.  The rest of the chapter is an elegy written by David. Verse twenty-nine states, The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!  David referred to Saul as the beauty of Israel who had fallen with the mighty, though Saul hadn't been beautiful in his relationship to David and God and the people hadn't been mighty in their fight with the Philistines.  I believe that even if they fail that we should look for the best in people today.  Verse twenty adds, Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. I believe this was a reference to not saying anything bad about Saul so that his enemies couldn't use it to rejoice in his death.  We should never give the enemies of God reason to celebrate the defeat of anyone who is identified as a part of the family of God, even if they haven't always lived up to that calling.  Verse twenty-one continues, Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor 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.  David basically said to let the mountains of Gilboa, where Saul had fallen, be cursed.  Verse twenty-two states, From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.  David praises the valor of Jonathan and Saul in fighting the enemy, and Saul had been victorious in many battles with the Philistines.  David put Jonathan his friend and Saul who was trying to kill him in the same category.  Even if we don't always agree with them, we should mourn the loss of anyone who has been a part of the war against Satan and his forces just as much as we do those that we are close friends with.  Verse twenty-three adds, Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.  David continues to celebrate the lives of Jonathan and Saul together and speaks of their valor and might in war.  He also says that they died fighting together.  We as Christians, even when we disagree amongst ourselves, should be noted as having fought together with our fellow believers when we die.  Verse twenty-four continues, Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.  David called on the woman of Israel to weep for Saul, who had enriched their lives materially.  Though he was at times a very self-centered individual, Saul did lead the people to victory many times and enrich their loves.  Verse twenty-five says, How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.  David now praises Jonathan without mentioning Saul.  Jonathan and David had a covenant to support one another, and now Jonathan was dead.  This is but a personal observation, but David may have felt guilty for not being there to help Jonathan in the fight.  Verse twenty-six adds, 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 women.  David spoke of the great love that Jonathan had for him.  Again, this was not a sexual love, but a God given closeness to each other spiritually.  We too often want to view love in worldly terms instead of spiritual terms.  We should have a Godlike love for all our fellow Christians, and we will have a closer relationship with some than with others.  Verse twenty-seven continues, How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!  David closed by speaking of how the mighty had fallen and their weapons of war had perished.  We should lament anytime people of God fall in the battle against evil in the world, even if they are not always perfect in their faith.

2 Samuel 1:10

2 Samuel 1:10 says, Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:  David tore his clothes in mourning for the death of Saul and Jonathan and Saul's other sons and his men joined him in mourning.  David had never wished for Saul’s death and he certainly hadn't wished for Jonathan's death.  We should always mourn the death of our family members, even if they haven't been very kind to us.  Verse twelve adds, And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.  They mourned, wept and fasted all day for Saul and Jonathan, as well as all the people of Israel who had fallen by the sword.  Saul had been trying to kill them, especially David, but they did not rejoice in his death, but mourned it.  Jonathan had been a good friend to David, and they mourned his death as well.  The others who died likely fell somewhere in between, but they were all a part of God's Chosen People.  No matter our personal relationship with them, even if we don't have one, we should always mourn spiritually when one of our fellow believers dies.  Verse thirteen states, And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amelekite.  David sake the young man who brought the news who he was and where he was from.  It is always good to know who we are dealing with, especially if they are bringing us bad news.  The young man said he was a stranger and not an Israelite, but an Amalekite.  Verse fourteen adds, And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?  David asked the young man why he wasn't afraid to kill the LORD’s anointed.  Matthew Henry points out that the young man was an Amalekite, who Saul should have already destroyed and that he may have done what Saul’s armor bearer couldn't do or he may have just been boasting about something he really didn't do.  Either way, he showed no respect for Saul, David, or any of God's people since he thought he would bring honor to himself for having killed their king even if he presented it as an act of mercy.  People today often still try to present themselves as our friends even as they are doing things that harm us and are not God's will. Verse fifteen continues, And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.  David called on one of his young men and had him kill the young Amalekite.  We are not called on to kill those who are our enemies today, but we should always be aware that they are not our friends, even if they present themselves as such.  Verse sixteen concludes,  And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD’s anointed.  Before he died,  David told the young Amalekite that he was responsible for his death, because he had convicted himself by his own words.  Ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own relationship with God when they die, and if we have not accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we will be convicted by our own words. 

2 Samuel 1:1

2 Samuel 1:1 says, 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;  After Saul’s death, David had returned to Ziklag and stayed there for two days.  David. who now certainly could claim the kingship of Israel, was still hiding out with the Philistines.  As Christians, we do not need to be hiding out with those who are not while our fellow believers are fighting against Satan and his forces today.  Verse two adds, It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with 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.  On the third day after Saul's death, a young man, as he is later referred to as being, came to David from Israel.  He was in bad shape, and fell to the ground in in honor before David.  If people who are in bad shape come to us for help, they shouldn't have to come as though we are some how better than them.  As followers of Christ, we are all equal spiritually and should all be willing to help our fellow believers without them feeling inferior to us or our feeling superior to them.  Verse three continues, And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.  When David asked the young man where he was from, he said he had escaped out of Israel.  David knew the Philistines were going to war with Israel, had even offered to go with them, and was evidently not very concerned about the people of Israel.  He was more interested in protecting himself.  We know that many of our fellow Christians are at war with the world today and we are many times unconcerned because we are safe and that is our priority.  Even then, we at times may aid the enemy more than we do our fellow Christians.  Verse four states, And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.  David asked the young man how the war was going.  He told David the people had fled and many were dead, including Saul and his son Jonathan.  David may have been hiding from Saul, but Jonathan and he had made a covenant to protect one another.  If we run from our enemies, our fellow believers may fall even if our enemies do while we are safely sitting out the battle.  Verse five adds, And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead?  David asked the young man how he knew Saul and Jonathan were dead.  If someone comes to us with news today, we should always ask how they know that it is true.  Verse  six continues, And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.  He told David that as he happened upon Gilboa, that Saul leaned on his spear and the chariots of the Philistines were hard after him.  Saul could have been a great king had he been obedient to God, but he wasn't and in the end, when he was standing by his own strength and power, they failed him.  We can be great in the battle against evil today as long as we stand under God's power, but if we attempt to stand by our own while we are out of fellowship with God, we will ultimately fall.  Verse seven says, And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.  The young man said Saul called him over and he went to him and told him he was there.  If people are calling on us when they are in trouble today, the first thing we must do is acknowledge that we hear them.  I believe that too often we are deaf to the cries for help from those around us because we fear that it will upset our peaceful life.  Verse eight adds, And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. Verse nine continues, He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.  The young man said Saul asked him who he was and he told him, and Saul then asked him to finish killing him because he was in anguish because he was still alive. I personally don't believe that we should ever be in such anguish that we want to end our life.  Verse ten concludes, So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.  The young man said he did as Saul asked because he was sure that Saul could not survive his injuries.  He said he then took the crown and bracelet from Saul and brought them to David.  I certainly don't believe that we should ever decide that someone is so bad off that we should kill them.  Still, if they are in a hopeless situation, we may be called on to decide whether to continue to attempt to keep them existing, even when there is no hope of improvement or quality of life.