hit him

Compare (Sa2 1:10); (Sa2 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. (Sa2 1:10); (Sa2 21:12).

burnt

Contrast (Ch2 16:14).