1. Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;
2. 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.
3. And David said to him, From whence comest thou? And he said to him, Out of the camp of Israel have I escaped.
4. And David said to him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen, and are dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.
5. And David said to the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son are dead?
6. 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.
7. And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called to me. And I answered, Here am I.
8. And he said to me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
9. He said to 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.