Verse 3hit him Cf. 2 Samuel 1:10; 21:12. The order is: (1) Saul is "hit"--wounded mortally, potentially "slain," by the Philistines; (2) either to escape agony, or insult by the enemy, he falls upon his sword, and his armour-bearer, supposing him to be dead, slew himself; (3) but Saul was not dead; raising himself upon his spear, he besought the Amalekite to put him to death. 2 Samuel 1:10; 21:12. Verse 12burnt Contra. 2 Chronicles 16:14.