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;

2 SAMUEL 1:1KJV
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2 Samuel 1:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 1:1 mean?

2 Samuel 1:1 describes the moment after King Saul’s death, when David has returned from defeating the Amalekites and is staying in the town of Ziklag for two days. This verse sets the stage for the events that follow by marking a transition in leadership and location.

The verse is a narrative introduction, letting the reader know the timing and setting: Saul, Israel’s first king, has died; David, not yet king, has just come back from a military victory over the Amalekites; and David is in Ziklag, a Philistine town he had been given as a base. This background helps explain David’s situation and emotional state before he hears the news about Saul and Jonathan.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 1:1

  • "after" (אַחֲרֵי, 'acharei): This word signals a clear break in time, emphasizing that the events take place following Saul’s death, not at the same time.
  • "slaughter" (הַכּוֹת, hakkot): This word can mean striking or defeating, and here it refers to David’s recent victory over the Amalekites, highlighting his active role as a military leader.
  • "abode" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to dwell or stay, showing that David was not just passing through Ziklag but had settled there for a short period.

Why 2 Samuel 1:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies the timeline, showing that David’s return and stay in Ziklag happen after Saul’s death, not before, which is important for understanding the flow of events.
  • By mentioning David’s victory over the Amalekites, the verse reminds the reader of David’s leadership and ongoing struggles, setting up the contrast between his situation and Saul’s fate.
  • The setting in Ziklag explains why David is not present at Saul’s final battle and why news of Saul’s death must be brought to him, shaping the drama of the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“Ziklag” Hebrew H6860 · used in 12 verses

  • Joshua 15:31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,
  • 1 Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
  • 1 Chronicles 4:30 And at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,

“Amalekites” Hebrew H6002 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.
  • Deuteronomy 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
  • 1 Samuel 15:7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.