About
The Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1 was part of the tribe of Amalek, a descendent of Esau. The Amalekites were recurrent enemies of Israel and appear in battles against Moses and King Saul.
Backstory
The Amalekite brought David the news of King Saul and Jonathan’s death and presented him Saul’s crown and arm band. David had been battling the Amalekites, in parallel to Saul. The young man may have wanted to curry his favor or broker a compromise between the kingdoms.
While the Amalekites were a long time enemy of the Israelites, David did not judge by appearance. Rather, he pressed the young man to find out how he learned about the deaths. The young man claimed that Saul was mortally wounded but still alive when he found him and that the king begged him to kill him, so he did.
David asked him “Why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” He then commanded one of his men to execute him, explaining that he had been convicted by his own testimony.