It is possible that the man was part of the Israelite forces;1 more likely he was a grave robber who came to collect valuables after the end of the battle.2 In either case, he managed to reach Saul before the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:8–9).3 His mention of Saul’s spear lends some credibility to his tale since Saul was always seen with his spear nearby (1 Samuel 13:22; 1 Samuel 18:10–11; 1 Samuel 19:9–10; 1 Samuel 20:3; 1 Samuel 22:6; 1 Samuel 26:7–22).4
6 And the young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear, and behold, the chariots and the horsemen were close upon him.