So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 10. I killed him. This story of the young Amalecite was not true, as may easily be proved by comparing it with the last chapter of the foregoing book. Challoner.—Fall. This he says, apprehending that David would perhaps disapprove of what he had done.—Diadem, or ribband, which was tied round his head, as a badge of his dignity. Hebrew “the crown.” But it was not of metal, though such were already common. Exodus 28:36, 1 Chronicles 20:2. Some pretend that Doeg gave these insignia to this son, that he might ingratiate himself with the future king. But they were upon Saul, so that the enemy could easily distinguish him.—Bracelet. The Hebrews took a great many from the Madianites. Numbers 31:50. Such presents were made by the Romans to soldiers who had performed some feats of valour. Plin. xxxiii. 2. Livy i. 10.