2 Samuel 1:1-16
The incident of Ziklag left David humbled, aware of his frailty, but it also re-established him in happy relationship with the LORD. In this way he was prepared for his reign, upon which the second book of Samuel now opens.
The man who brings to David the news of Saul’s death is, in his own eyes, "thinking to have brought good tidings" (2 Samuel 4:10). For David did it not represent the death of his enemy and the opportunity to ascend the throne? But this man does not know the one to whom he is speaking. In the heart of the "beloved" of the LORD grace is shining, accompanied by unselfishness, love for his people and respect for divine order. How could he rejoice when Israel was defeated and their prince dishonoured before the LORD’s enemies?
David interrogates the newcomer. "From whence comest thou?" The man reveals that he also belongs to Israel’s enemies, and to some of the worst: he is an Amalekite! In trying to deceive David by his deceitful report, he has only succeeded in deceiving himself (see Proverbs 11:18). He would have liked the new king to have received the crown from his hand. In that respect he resembles the great Enemy who tried to persuade Jesus — but with no better success — to accept all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them (Matthew 4:8-10).