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Saul’s Overthrow and Death
1Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
2The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. 3When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him.
4Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!”
But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
5When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died. 6So Saul died together with his three sons and all his house.
The Philistines Possess the Towns
7When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities.
8The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9They stripped Saul, cut off his head, took his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temple of their idols and among their people. 10They put his armor in the temple of their gods and hung his head in the temple of Dagon.
Jabesh-gilead’s Tribute to Saul
11When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard about everything the Philistines had done to Saul, 12all their men of valor set out and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oaka in Jabesh and fasted seven days.
13So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Footnotes:
12 aOr terebinth or great tree
Our Daily Homily - 1 Chronicles
By F.B. Meyer0New Birth in ChristGod's Purpose1CH 1:11CH 2:11CH 3:11CH 4:91CH 5:201CH 10:131CH 12:381CH 14:151CH 16:91CH 28:20F.B. Meyer reflects on the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the significance of each name as a testament to God's love and purpose for humanity. He warns that while our lives may seem insignificant, they contribute to the greater narrative of God's redemptive plan. Meyer contrasts the flawed lineage of David with the perfection of Christ, urging believers to seek a new birth in Jesus. He highlights the importance of living a life of obedience and faith, as well as the necessity of intercession and worship in our daily lives. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to recognize their role in God's kingdom and to live in a way that glorifies Him.
Rappings in the Dark
By D.L. Moody0The Danger of False TeachingsGuidance of the Holy Spirit1CH 10:13LUK 16:29D.L. Moody emphasizes the grave sin of consulting mediums and seeking guidance from the dead, which he believes dishonors the Holy Spirit sent to guide believers into all truth. He warns that many Christians today are turning away from the Word of God, just as King Saul did when he consulted a familiar spirit, leading to his downfall. Moody stresses that the Holy Spirit and Scripture provide all the guidance one needs, and turning to other sources is a serious transgression against God. He cites the story of the rich man in Luke to illustrate that the teachings of Moses and the prophets are sufficient for salvation and understanding. Ultimately, he calls for believers to rely solely on the Holy Spirit and the Bible rather than seeking false lights.
The Mighty Men of David
By H.J. Vine01CH 10:131CH 11:2ZEC 14:16ROM 8:35EPH 5:30PHP 1:291TI 4:1HEB 2:14H.J. Vine preaches about the parallels between David and his mighty men enduring rejection and hardship before his exaltation, and the rejection of Jesus Christ by the world before His final exaltation. The sermon emphasizes the importance of suffering with Christ to reign with Him in the future glory. It highlights the need for believers to learn from the examples of David's mighty men in their devotion, service, and loyalty to Christ, even in the face of trials and conflicts, to ultimately share in His victory and reign with Him in His kingdom.
So Saul Died for His Trespass.
By F.B. Meyer0Seeking God's GuidanceObedience to God1SA 15:231CH 10:13PSA 27:14PSA 32:8PRO 3:5ISA 8:19JER 33:3MAT 7:7JHN 7:17JAS 1:5F.B. Meyer reflects on the tragic end of Saul, emphasizing his threefold trespass against God: failing to obey God's command regarding Amalek, seeking counsel from a medium, and neglecting to inquire of the Lord. Meyer warns against the modern tendencies to seek guidance from worldly sources rather than God, urging believers to cultivate a habit of waiting on the Lord for direction. He encourages the congregation to approach God with a sincere desire to know His will, assuring them that God will provide guidance to those who are willing to follow. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine counsel and the dangers of turning to alternative sources for wisdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Introduction
A fatal battle between the Israelites and Philistines in Gilboa, in which Saul is mortally wounded, and has three sons slain, Ch1 10:1-6. The Israelites being totally routed, the Philistines, coming to strip the dead, find Saul and has three sons among the slain; they cut off Saul's head, and send it and his armor about the country to the idol temples; and then fix them up in the house of Dagon, Ch1 10:7-10. The men of Jabesh-gilead come by night, and take away the bodies of Saul and has three sons, and bury them in Jabesh, Ch1 10:11, Ch1 10:12. The reason of Saul's tragical death; the kingdom is transferred to David, Ch1 10:13, Ch1 10:14.
Verse 1
Now the Philistines fought against Israel - The reader will find the same history in almost the same words, in Sa1 31:1-13, to the notes on which he is referred for every thing important in this.
Verse 6
So Saul died - and all his house - Every branch of his family that had followed him to the war was cut off; his three sons are mentioned as being the chief. No doubt all his officers were slain.
Verse 11
When all Jabesh-gilead heard - For a general account of the principles of heroism and gratitude from which this action of the men of Jabesh-gilead proceeded, see the note on Sa1 31:11, Sa1 31:12. By the kindness of a literary friend, I am enabled to lay a farther illustration of this noble act before the reader, which he will find at the conclusion of the chapter.
Verse 13
Saul died for his transgression - See the concluding observations on the first book of Samuel (Sa1 31:13 (note)).
Verse 14
Inquired not of the Lord - On these two last verses the Targum speaks thus: "And Saul died for the transgression by which he transgressed against the Word of the Lord, and because he did not keep the commandment of the Lord when he warred against the house of Amalek; and because he consulted Pythons, and sought oracular answers from them. Neither did he ask counsel from before the Lord by Urim and Thummim, for he had slain the priests that were in Nob; therefore the Lord slew him, and transferred the kingdom to David the son of Jesse." A Literary friend furnishes the following remarks: - "The sacred writer, in the first book of Samuel, Sa1 31:11-13, and Ch1 10:11, Ch1 10:12, after relating the defeat and death of Saul, and the ignominious treatment of his remains, thus concludes: - "'And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there; and they took the bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.' "Often has this account been read with admiration of the bravery and devotedness of the men of Jabesh-gilead, but without considering that these men had any greater cause than others for honoring the remains of their sovereign; but, on reflection, it will be perceived that the strong impulse of gratitude prompted them to this honorable exertion. They remembered their preservation from destruction, and, which to brave men is more galling, from bearing marks of having been defeated, and being deprived of the honorable hope of wiping off disgrace, or defending their country at future seasons. "Reading these verses in conjunction with the attack of Nahash, we perceive the natural feelings of humanity, of honorable respect, prompting the men of Jabesh to act as they did in rescuing the bones of Saul and his family. "The father of Grecian poetry relates in how great a degree the warriors of ancient days honored the remains of their leaders; how severe were the contests for the body of the fallen chief, more determined oftentimes than the struggle for victory: this point of military honor was possibly excited or heightened by the religious idea so prevalent in his age, and after times, respecting the fate of the spirits of those who were unburied. "Homer wrote of events passing at no distant period from those recorded in the first volume of Samuel; and these accounts mutually corroborate each other, being in unison, not only with the feelings of humanity, but with the customs of ancient nations. These may be farther illustrated by comparing the conduct of the Philistines with regard to Saul and his sons, with that of the hero of the Iliad towards Hector, the most finished character of the poem. Saul had been a severe scourge to the Philistines throughout a long series of years; the illustrious chief of Troy had long warded off the ruin of his country, and destroyed the flower of her foes, independently of his last victory over Patroclus, which drew on his remains that dishonor which, however, fell only on his destroyer. "Should the siege of Troy be considered a fable, it may then be concluded that Homer introduced into his poems the customs and manners known to those for whose perusal he wrote, if these customs were not prevalent among his readers; but anxiety for the body of the illustrious dead, or regret for his death, has often caused success when all exertions prior to this powerful stimulus have not availed; and this even in our days. "The Philistines had long been confined to the southwest angle of the promised land, and in the earlier part of Saul's reign had suffered many and severe losses; yet it appears by this chapter that, alone or in conjunction with allies, they had been able to penetrate nearly to the banks of the Jordan, to fight the battle on Mount Gilboa. This could only have been effected by a march through great part of the kingdom of Israel. "Doubtless the attention of Saul in its defense might have been greatly distracted by his pursuit and fear of David, which appeared to have absorbed his whole mind; and it may account for the defenceless or weakened state of his forces. "These circumstances appear to corroborate the authenticity of these books, independently of the many private transactions therein recorded; particularly the interesting and singular friendship of Jonathan and David, a transaction not likely to occur to a forger of a narrative. J.W."
Introduction
SAUL'S OVERTHROW AND DEATH. (Ch1 10:1-7) Now the Philistines fought against Israel--The details of this chapter have no relation to the preceding genealogies and seem to be inserted solely to introduce the narrative of David's elevation to the throne of the whole kingdom. The parallel between the books of Samuel and Chronicles commences with this chapter, which relates the issue of the fatal battle of Gilboa almost in the very same words as Sa1 31:1-13.
Verse 3
the battle went sore against Saul; and the archers hit him, and he was wounded--The Hebrew words may be thus rendered: "The archers found (attacked) him, and he feared the archers." He was not wounded, at least not dangerously, when he resolved on committing suicide. The deed was the effect of sudden terror and overwhelming depression of spirits [CALMET].
Verse 4
his armour-bearer would not; for he was sore afraid--He was, of course, placed in the same perilous condition as Saul. But it is probable that the feelings that restrained him from complying with Saul's wish were a profound respect for royalty, mingled with apprehension of the shock which such a catastrophe would give to the national feelings and interests.
Verse 6
Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house--his sons and courtiers who were there engaged in the battle. But it appears that Ish-bosheth and Mephibosheth were kept at Gibeah on account of their youth.
Verse 10
THE PHILISTINES TRIUMPH OVER HIM. (Ch1 10:8-14) put his armour in the house of their gods--It was common among the heathen to vow to a national or favorite deity, that, in the event of a victory, the armor of the enemy's king, or of some eminent leader, should be dedicated to him as an offering of gratitude. Such trophies were usually suspended on the pillars of the temple. fastened his head in the temple of Dagon--while the trunk or headless corpse was affixed to the wall of Beth-shan (Sa1 31:10).
Verse 13
Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord--in having spared the king of the Amalekites and taken the flocks of the people as spoils [Sa1 15:9], as well as in having consulted a pythoness [Sa1 28:7]. Both of these acts were great sins--the first as a violation of God's express and positive command [Sa1 15:3], and the second as contrary to a well-known statute of the kingdom (Lev 19:31).
Verse 14
And inquired not of the Lord--He had done so in form (Sa1 28:6), but not in the spirit of a humble penitent, nor with the believing confidence of a sincere worshipper. His enquiry was, in fact, a mere mockery, and his total want of all right religious impressions was manifested by his rushing from God to a wretched impostor in the service of the devil [Sa1 28:7]. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 11
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 10 This part, Ch1 10:1 which gives an account of the last battle of Saul with the Philistines, and of his death and burial, is the same with Sa1 31:1 see the notes there; the cause of his death follows in Ch1 10:13
Verse 1
See Gill on Sa1 31:1. . 1 Chronicles 10:13 ch1 10:13 ch1 10:13 ch1 10:13So Saul died for his transgression,.... See Gill on Sa1 31:13 A violent and dishonourable death, which was suffered on account of the sins he was guilty of: one was, which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not; both in not staying for Samuel the time appointed, and by sparing the Amalekites whom he was bid to destroy, Sa1 13:13. and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; what he should do with respect to engaging in battle with the Philistines, Sa1 28:8 which to do was contrary to an express command of God, Lev 19:31.
Verse 13
And inquired not of the Lord,.... For though he did inquire in some sense in an external, careless, and hypocritical manner, yet not done seriously, sincerely, and heartily, nor with constancy; it was accounted as if he inquired not at all, Sa1 28:6 the Targum adds another reason of his death, because he killed the priests of Nob; but that is not in the text: therefore he slew him; or suffered him to be slain: and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse; translated the kingdom of Israel out of Saul's family, upon his death, into Jesse's, even unto David; for the sake of which observation this short account is given of the last end of Saul. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 11
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 10 This part, Ch1 10:1 which gives an account of the last battle of Saul with the Philistines, and of his death and burial, is the same with Sa1 31:1 see the notes there; the cause of his death follows in Ch1 10:13
Verse 1
See Gill on Sa1 31:1. . 1 Chronicles 10:13 ch1 10:13 ch1 10:13 ch1 10:13So Saul died for his transgression,.... See Gill on Sa1 31:13 A violent and dishonourable death, which was suffered on account of the sins he was guilty of: one was, which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not; both in not staying for Samuel the time appointed, and by sparing the Amalekites whom he was bid to destroy, Sa1 13:13. and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; what he should do with respect to engaging in battle with the Philistines, Sa1 28:8 which to do was contrary to an express command of God, Lev 19:31.
Verse 13
And inquired not of the Lord,.... For though he did inquire in some sense in an external, careless, and hypocritical manner, yet not done seriously, sincerely, and heartily, nor with constancy; it was accounted as if he inquired not at all, Sa1 28:6 the Targum adds another reason of his death, because he killed the priests of Nob; but that is not in the text: therefore he slew him; or suffered him to be slain: and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse; translated the kingdom of Israel out of Saul's family, upon his death, into Jesse's, even unto David; for the sake of which observation this short account is given of the last end of Saul. Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 11
Introduction
The design of Ezra, in these books of the Chronicles, was to preserve the records of the house of David, which, though much sunk and lessened in a common eye by the captivity, yet grew more and more illustrious in the eyes of those that lived by faith by the nearer approach of the Son of David. And therefore he repeats, not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which way was made for David to the throne. In this chapter we have, I. The fatal rout which the Philistines gave to Saul's army, and the fatal stroke which he gave himself (Ch1 10:1-7). II. The Philistines' triumph therein (Ch1 10:8-10). III. The respect which the men of Jabesh-Gilead showed the royal corpse (Ch1 10:11, Ch1 10:12). IV. The reason of Saul's rejection (Ch1 10:13, Ch1 10:14).
Verse 1
This account of Saul's death is the same with that which we had, Sa1 31:1, etc. We need not repeat the exposition of it. Only let us observe, 1. Princes sin and the people suffer for it. It was a bad time with Israel when they fled before the Philistines and fell down slain (Ch1 10:1), when they quitted their cities, and the Philistines came and dwelt in them, Ch1 10:7. We do not find that they were at this time guilty of idolatry, as they had been before, in the days of the judges, and were afterwards, in the days of the kings. Samuel had reformed them, and they were reformed: and yet they are thus given to the spoil and to the robbers. No doubt there was enough in them to deserve this judgment; but that which divine Justice had chiefly an eye to was the sin of Saul. Note, Princes and great men should in a special manner take heed of provoking God's wrath; for, if they kindle that fire, they know not how many may be consumed by it for their sakes. 2. Parents sin and the children suffer for it. When the measure of Saul's iniquity was full, and his day came to fall (which David foresaw, Sa1 26:10), he not only descended into battle and perished himself, but his sons (all but Ishbosheth) perished with him, and Jonathan among the rest, that gracious, generous man; for all things come alike to all. Thus was the iniquity of the fathers visited upon the children, and they fell as parts of the condemned father. Note, Those that love their seed must leave their sins, lest they perish not alone in their iniquity, but bring ruin on their families with themselves, or entail a curse upon them when they are gone. 3. Sinners sin and at length suffer for it themselves, though they be long reprieved; for, although sentence be not executed speedily, it will be executed. It was so upon Saul; and the manner of his fall was such as, in various particulars, answered to his sin. (1.) He had thrown a javelin more than once at David, and missed him; but the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. (2.) He had commanded Doeg to slay the priests of the Lord; and now, in despair, he commands his armour-bearer to draw his sword and thrust him through. (3.) He had disobeyed the command of God in not destroying the Amalekites, and his armour-bearer disobeys him in not destroying him. (4.) He that was the murderer of the priests is justly left to himself to be his own murderer; and his family is cut off who cut off the city of the priests. See, and say, The Lord is righteous.
Verse 8
Here, I. From the triumph of the Philistines over the body of Saul we may learn, 1. That the greater dignity men are advanced to the greater disgrace they are in danger of falling into. Saul's dead body, because he was king, was abused more than any other of the slain. Advancement makes men a mark for malice. 2. That, if we give not to God the glory of our successes, even the Philistines will rise up in judgment against us and condemn us; for, when they had obtained a victory over Saul, they sent tidings to their idols - poor idols, that knew not what was done a few miles off till the tidings were brought to them, nor then either! They also put Saul's armour in the house of their gods, Ch1 10:10. Shall Dagon have so honourable a share in their triumphs and the true and living God be forgotten in ours? II. From the triumph of the men of Jabesh-Gilead in the rescue of the bodies of Saul and his sons we learn that there is a respect due to the remains of the deceased, especially of deceased princes. We are not to enquire concerning the eternal state; that must be left to God: but we must treat the dead body as those who remember it has been united to an immortal soul and must be so again. III. From the triumphs of divine Justice in the ruin of Saul we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later: Saul died for his transgression. 2. That no man's greatness can exempt him from the judgments of God. 3. Disobedience is a killing thing. Saul died for not keeping the word of the Lord, by which he was ordered to destroy the Amalekites. 4. Consulting with witches is a sin that fills the measure of iniquity as soon as any thing. Saul enquired of one that had a familiar spirit, and enquired not of the Lord, therefore he slew him, Ch1 10:13, Ch1 10:14. Saul slew himself, and yet it is said, God slew him. What is done by wicked hands is yet done by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Those that abandon themselves to the devil shall be abandoned to him; so shall their doom be. It is said (Sa1 28:6) that Saul did enquire of the Lord and he answered him not: but here it is said, Saul did not enquire of God; for he did not till he was brought to the last extremity, and then it was too late.
Verse 1
10:1-14 The narrative of Israel as a kingdom begins with the death of Saul, who failed to fulfill God’s purposes for him as king and for Israel as a nation. Saul’s death prepares the way for David, whom the Chronicler regarded as the first true king of Israel.
Verse 6
10:6-12 Saul and his three sons died . . . bringing his dynasty to an end: The Chronicler does not mention Saul’s armor bearer or the rest of his troops (see 1 Sam 31:6), emphasizing God’s action in removing Saul and replacing him with David (1 Chr 10:14).