King James Version
1 Chronicles 10
14 verses with commentary
Saul's Death
Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. slain: or, wounded
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
1 Chronicles 10-29—The history of King David, who made Jerusalem the political and religious centre of Israel, organised the Levitical ministry in its permanent shape, and amassed great stores of wealth and material for the Temple, which his son and successor was to build.
**X.
A BRIEF NARRATIVE OF THE OVERTHROW AND DEATH OF SAUL, BY WAY OF PRELUDE TO THE REIGN OF DAVID.**
1Chronicles 10:1-12 are ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. Abinadab: also called, Ishui.I.Sam.14.49.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **The Philistines followed hard after Saul.**—Literally, *clave to Saul,* that is, hotly pursued him. (Comp. 1 Kings 22, 31.) The destruction of the king and his sons would make their triumph complete.
**The sons of Saul.**—Omit *the.* Eshbaal, Saul’s fourth son, was not in the battle (2Samuel 2:8. Comp. 1Chronicles 8:33). Like Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, Saul may have witnessed the deat...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. and the archers: Heb. and the shooters with bows hit: Heb. found
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **The battle went sore against Saul.**—Literally, *was heavy upon* (Samuel, “unto”) *him,* like a burden weighing him to the earth.
**And the archers hit him.**—Literally, *And they that shoot with the bow came upon him; and he shuddered* (Sam., “greatly”) *before the shooters.* “He shuddered or trembled” (Deuteronomy 2:25). The verb is properly to writhe, travail (Isaiah 23:4). Saul’s deadly ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →Then said Saul to his armourbearer , Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. abuse me: or, mock me
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **And Saul said.**—So Abimelech (Judges 9:54).
**Lest these uncircumcised come.**—Sam. Adds “and thrust me through.” An inadvertent repetition there, or omission here, is possible. Or, we might say, Saul preferred death by a friendly stroke to the thrusts of insulting foemen.
**And abuse me.**—The Hebrew means, strictly, “to make a toy of,” “sport with.” “How I have made a toy of Egypt” (Exodu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword</strong>—The Hebrew verb <em>naphal</em> ('fell') implies both physical collapse and moral failure. This unnamed servant's loyalty unto death mirrors Jonathan's earlier devotion (1 Sam 14:7), showing how Saul inspired fierce devotion despite his spiritual decline.<br><br>The parallel with Judas (Matthew 27:5) i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **He fell likewise on the sword.**—Sam., “his sword,” *i.e.,* the sword of the armour-bearer.
**And died.**—Samuel adds “with him,” which seems to be omitted here for brevity, which may be the reason of other similar omissions. Loyalty to his chief, and perhaps dread of the foe, were the armour-bearer’s motives.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
1Ch 2:1, 2. Sons of Israel.
1Ch 2:3-12. Posterity of Judah.
**3. The sons of Judah--**His descendants are enumerated first, because the right and privileges of the primogeniture had been transferred to him (Ge 49:8), and because from his tribe the Messiah was to spring.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And all his house died together.**—Instead of this Samuel reads “and his armour-bearer; also all his men on that day together.” The LXX. adds “on that day” here, while in Samuel it omits “all his men,” thus minimising the differences of text. It is mere pedantry to press the phrases “all his men,” “all his house.” The strength of these expressions indicates the completeness of the overthrow....
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And when all the men of Israel that were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **That were in the valley.**—Rather, *the plain,* in which the main battle was fought—that of Jezreel. Samuel has “that were on the other side of the plain, and on the other side of the Jordan.” The curt phrase “who (dwelt) in the plain,” may be compared with 1Chronicles 9:2. The people of the surrounding districts are meant; who, when they “saw that they” (viz., Saul’s army, “the men of Israe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **His sons.**—Samuel, “his three sons.” Otherwise the two verses are word for word the same.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara--**These five are here stated to be the sons of Zerah, that is, of Ezra, whence they were called Ezrahites (1Ki 4:31). In that passage they are called "the sons of Mahol," which, however, is to be taken not as a proper name, but appellatively for "sons of music, dancing," &c. The traditional fame of their great sagacity and acquirements ha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And when they had stripped him, they took his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **And when they had stripped him.**—Better, *and they stripped him, and carried off his head,* &c. Samuel, “and they cut off his head, and stripped his armour off.” With the phrase “carried off his head,” comp. Genesis 40:19, “Pharaoh will lift thy head from off thee,” where the same Hebrew verb is used (*yissâ*)*.*
**And sent** (Saul’s head and armour) **to carry tidings unto their idols.**—T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. the sons of Carmi--**He was the son of Zimri, or Zabdi, as he is called (Jos 7:1).
**Achar--**or Achan (Jos 7:1). This variety in the form of the name is with great propriety used here, since Achar means "troubler."
1Ch 2:13-17. Children of Jesse.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **In the house of their gods.**—Or god, as LXX. Samuel, “house of Ashtaroth,” which the chronicler or his source paraphrases, perhaps from a repugnance to mentioning the idol’s name. Ashtoreth had a great temple at Ascalon, as “Heavenly Aphrodite” (Herod., *Hist* i. 108). The “Queen of Heaven” (Jeremiah 7:18) was worshipped by the Semitic races generally. Under the name of *Ishtar,* she was a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term <em>מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **All the valiant men.**—Literally, *every man of valour.* Samuel adds, “and marched all the night.”
**Took away.**—*Carried off.* Samuel has “took,” (*ceperunt*)*.*
**The body.**—A common Aramaic word, *gûfāh,* only read here in the Old Testament, for which Samuel has the pure Hebrew synonym *a’wîyah.* Samuel adds, “from the wall of Beth-shan.”
**And brought them.**—Samuel, “and came to Jabe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; committed: Heb. transgressed
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KJV Study Commentary
Saul's death is attributed directly to his unfaithfulness (Hebrew: ma'al, meaning 'treachery' or 'covenant violation'). The Chronicler emphasizes God's active sovereignty in removing Saul and transferring the kingdom to David. This divine judgment demonstrates that human kingship in Israel is subordinate to God's ultimate rule. The phrase 'the LORD slew him' removes any ambiguity about secondary c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13, 14) A concluding reflection from the mind of the chronicler himself. He sums up his extract concerning the ruin of Saul by assigning the moral ground of it, viz., Saul’s “unfaithfulness whereby he showed himself unfaithful to Jehovah.” The same charge was made against the Transjordan tribes in 1Chronicles 5:25, and against the people of Judah in 1Chronicles 9:1.
(13) **Even against the word o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. Jesse: Heb. Isai
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KJV Study Commentary
The theological center of Saul's failure was his failure to 'enquire of the LORD' (darash YHWH). This Hebrew phrase denotes more than casual prayer - it implies seeking divine guidance through proper covenantal channels. Saul consulted a medium instead (1 Samuel 28), violating Deuteronomy 18:10-12. The phrase 'therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David' reveals God's dual action: neg...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And enquired not of the Lord.**—Saul had, in fact, enquired of Jehovah before resorting to the witch of En-dor, “but the Lord answered him not, neither by the dreams, nor by the Urim, nor by the prophets” (1Samuel 28:6). We shall not be reading a meaning of our own into the text if we say that Saul’s natural impatience (1Samuel 13:13) on this occasion betrayed him again; he at once despaire...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 10
The death of Saul.
--The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner o...
Read full commentary →