1 Samuel 31:3

hit him

Compare (2 Samuel 1:10); (2 Samuel 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); (2 Samuel 21:12).