1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
2 And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul.
3 The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was wounded by the archers.
4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.
5 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance.
6 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium,
7 And when all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled, and the Philistines came and lived in them.
8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.
9 And they stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to carry the good news to their idols and to the people.
10 They put his armor in the temple of their gods and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.
11 But when all Jabesh-gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,
12 all the valiant men arose and took away the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days.
13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium,
14 but he did not seek guidance from the Lord.
The True Meaning of 1 Chronicles 10
This chapter of 1 Chronicles provides an account of the death of King Saul, the first king of Israel. The author, likely Ezra the scribe, recounts the tragic end of Saul’s reign and the rise of David as the new king.
Saul’s downfall was a result of his disobedience to God’s commands, as we see echoed in 1 Samuel 15. His arrogance and unwillingness to follow the Lord’s instructions led him down a path of ruin. This chapter foreshadows the transition of power from Saul to David, the man after God’s own heart, who would go on to establish the Davidic dynasty.
The events described in this passage have far-reaching implications, as they set the stage for the united kingdom of Israel under David’s leadership. We see the fulfillment of God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7, where the Lord declares that David’s throne will be established forever. This chapter in 1 Chronicles is a crucial step in the unfolding of God’s plan for His people.
1 Chronicles 10:1-5
The account of the death of King Saul after his defeat in battle against the Philistines is seen in 1 Chronicles 10:1-5. Let’s break down this passage into its key sections:
-
“Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.” – This verse sets the scene for the tragic defeat of Israel at the hands of the Philistines. The mention of Mount Gilboa, a mountain range in Israel, serves as a geographical marker for this pivotal event. The Israelites, led by King Saul, faced a formidable enemy in the Philistines, ultimately resulting in a devastating loss and many casualties.
-
“The Philistines pressed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua.” – This section highlights the personal tragedy that befell King Saul as he not only suffered a humiliating defeat but also lost his sons in the battle. Jonathan, Saul’s son and a close friend of David, was a valiant warrior and had a deep bond with David, despite the enmity between their fathers. The deaths of Saul’s sons symbolize the consequences of his disobedience to God and the loss of his dynasty’s legacy.
-
“The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically.” – This verse depicts the intensity of the battle as it closes in on King Saul. Despite his position as king and leader of the Israelites, Saul could not escape the inevitable outcome of God’s judgment upon him for his disobedience. The critical wound inflicted by the Philistine archers signifies the culmination of Saul’s reign and the impending end of his life.
-
“Saul said to his armor-bearer, ‘Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and abuse me.’ But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.” – This poignant moment reveals Saul’s desperation and tragic end. Saul chooses to take his own life rather than suffer at the hands of his enemies in his final moments when faced with the prospect of being captured and humiliated by the Philistines. This act reflects Saul’s inner turmoil and the consequences of his disobedience to God, which ultimately led to his downfall.
This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of straying from His path. The downfall of Saul, once anointed as king of Israel, highlights the tragic consequences of disobedience, pride, and reliance on one’s own strength instead of trusting in God. The story of Saul’s demise also foreshadows the rise of David, a man after God’s own heart, who would eventually succeed Saul as king of Israel. Through Saul’s downfall, we learn valuable lessons about the fleeting nature of earthly power and the enduring importance of faithfulness to God’s will.
1 Chronicles 10:6-10
The tragic account of the death of King Saul is presented in 1 Chronicles 10:6-10. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a closer examination:
Verse 6 starts with, “So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord.” This sets the tone for the narrative by highlighting the consequential nature of Saul’s actions. Saul’s unfaithfulness was a recurring theme throughout his reign as king. He repeatedly acted in disobedience to God’s commands, such as taking matters into his own hands instead of waiting for Samuel to offer sacrifices (1 Samuel 13) and sparing the Amalekite king and livestock against God’s explicit instructions (1 Samuel 15).
The verse goes on to say that Saul “did not keep the command of the Lord.” This is crucial as it underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the biblical narrative. Saul’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of straying from God’s will and disregarding His commands. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the significance of obedience and loyalty to God, as seen in verses such as Deuteronomy 11:13 and John 14:15.
Verse 7 mentions one of the turning points in the story of Saul’s demise: his consultation with a medium. When Saul inquired of the Lord and received no answer, he sought out a medium, the witch of Endor, to summon the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28). This act of desperation reveals Saul’s deep spiritual and emotional turmoil, as well as his continued disobedience to God’s prohibition against consulting mediums (Leviticus 19:31).
The passage continues with Saul’s encounter with the Philistine army. The Philistines fought against Israel, and the battle resulted in the deaths of Saul’s sons, including Jonathan. Jonathan was a noble and valiant warrior, known for his friendship with David and his faith in God. His death was a heartbreaking moment in the Bible, symbolizing the consequences of Saul’s actions not only for himself but also for his family and the nation of Israel.
Verse 8 states that the Israelites abandoned their towns and fled, leaving their homes behind. This highlights the chaos and devastation that ensued following Saul’s death. The defeat of Israel’s king and army led to a loss of territory and security for the Israelites, demonstrating the interconnectedness of leadership and the well-being of the people. 1 Chronicles 10:6-10 serves as a somber reflection on the downfall of King Saul, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, obedience to God’s commands, and the far-reaching consequences of sin. Through the lens of Saul’s tragic end, readers are reminded of the enduring messages of repentance, humility, and dependence on God found throughout the Bible.
1 Chronicles 10:11-14
All the valiant men of Jabesh Gilead heard of everything the Philistines had done to Saul, went, took the bodies of Saul and his sons, and brought them to Jabesh. Then they buried their bones under the great tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”
This passage highlights the tragic end of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul’s death at the hands of the Philistines marked the downfall of a once-promising leader who started with divine favor but ultimately lost it due to his disobedience and lack of faith in God. The people of Jabesh Gilead, who had been rescued by Saul earlier in his reign when he defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11), showed their loyalty and gratitude by risking their lives to retrieve his body from the Philistines and give him a proper burial.
The reference to Saul’s unfaithfulness to the Lord and his ultimate demise serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of staying faithful to God’s commands. Saul’s disobedience included offering sacrifices when he was not supposed to (1 Samuel 13:8-14), sparing the Amalekite king and the best of the livestock (1 Samuel 15:1-23), and seeking guidance from a medium (1 Samuel 28:3-25). These actions led to his downfall and rejection by God in favor of David, who was described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
The shifting of the kingdom from Saul to David not only signified a change in leadership but also represented God’s faithfulness to His promises and His plan for the nation of Israel. Despite Saul’s failures, God remained sovereign and orchestrated events to fulfill His purposes through David’s reign, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16). The account of Saul’s tragic end in 1 Chronicles 10:11-14 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience, faith, and humility in the eyes of God. It also underscores the faithfulness of God to His plans and His ability to work all things, even human failures, for the good of those who trust in Him (Romans 8:28). Saul’s story serves as a cautionary example for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to God, lest they suffer the consequences of straying from His will.
After 1 Chronicles 10
The Philistines had defeated Saul and his sons on the battlefield. Saul’s army was routed, and he and his sons were killed. The Philistines stripped Saul’s body and displayed his armor in the temple of their gods.
The people of Israel were devastated. They had lost their king and his heirs. The future of the nation hung in the balance. But as we will see in the next chapter, the Lord had a plan to raise up a new leader for his people. A man after God’s own heart, who would guide Israel through this dark time and into a new era of prosperity and peace.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.