David and his men tore their clothes as a sign of mourning. Where the Amalekite had expected him to rejoice at the news of Saul’s death because of the many evil things which Saul had done to him (see 1 Samuel 24:17), David was grieved by the death of Saul and Jonathan.1 Even though he expected the Lord to deal decisively with Saul (1 Samuel 26:10) and prayed for vindication (1 Samuel 24:15), he was still grieved when his father-in-law died. The death of Saul and Israel’s loss in battle is reason for lament.2
11 Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.