The report of Saul’s defeat and death echoes the story in 1 Samuel 4. The Amalekite messenger knows where David lives and about Saul’s hostility; he views David as a fugitive from his people and a loyal supporter of the Philistines. He believes that David sees the news of the Philistine victory, Israel’s defeat, and Saul’s death, along with his succession, as good news, and expects to be rewarded handsomely. Therefore, the Amalekite arrives with royal jewels, which he could only have gathered if he was there very early at Saul’s death scene. David believes what he’s told and, as a result, sentences and executes him. The author emphasizes how quickly events unfold and how battles occur simultaneously. Verses 17-27 contain David’s lament over the great loss caused by the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.