“distressed.” The Hebrew can also be “pressed, hard-pressed, oppressed.” All of these fit the situation. There is a great contrast here between Yahweh, who saved Israel (1 Sam. 14:23), and Saul who distressed Israel. At a time when Israel should have been rejoicing, they were distressed. The king and leader, Saul, made a very pious-looking but ungodly curse, which greatly hurt both the people and Israel’s cause in getting free from Philistine domination and reoccupying the Promised Land. Jesus said that we would know evil people and actions by their fruit, and Saul’s fruit was bad.

“I have avenged myself of my enemies.” Saul’s pride shines through and he does not give any credit to Yahweh.