1. Now it came to pass. This statement is the natural connecting link between the events of 1 Sam. 30 and 31 and the events now to be narrated. There is no break between the two books of Samuel, the events of this chapter being a continuation of the preceding history, without any interruption.
The death of Saul. This was the decisive event that opened the way for David’s succession to the throne. At the time of the fatal battle between Saul and the Philistines, David had been engaged in his attack upon the Amalekites, who had spoiled Ziklag (1 Sam. 30). Some time elapsed before he learned of Saul’s death.