The text does not state that it was now evening and that the oath of verse 24 had expired. But the writer appears to assume that it was evening, and verse 34 indicates that it was nighttime. However, see on verse 33.

Flew upon: some commentators consider the Hebrew word used here to be incomprehensible in this context. It is literally the ordinary verb meaning “to do” or “to make.” A marginal note in the Hebrew text suggests that the correct reading is “wrapped,” or “enveloped themselves” in, which modern versions take to mean “pounced on” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New International Version, Anchor Bible) or “flung themselves on” (New Jerusalem Bible).

The spoil refers here to all the things that the Israelites had taken from their defeated enemies. This would not have been limited to the animals mentioned later in this verse, but they would certainly have been included. See verse 30.

Slew them on the ground: that is, they killed the animals immediately at the spot where they were taken. This was contrary to the usual practice of taking the animal to an altar (Exo 29.11; Lev 1.5).

Eating meat with the blood still in it was prohibited by the Mosaic Law (see Gen 9.4; Lev 7.26-27; 17.10-14; 19.26). The blood was supposed to be poured out on the ground (Deut 12.16, 24). By not draining off the blood, these soldiers were violating the law.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .