King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 10:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 10:13 in the King James Version says “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 10:13 · KJV


Context

11

And when all Jabeshgilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,

12

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.

13

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

14

And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. Jesse: Heb. Isai


Commentary

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 causes - while Philistines were involved, God orchestrated Saul's end as covenant judgment. This Reformed principle of divine sovereignty over human affairs, even in judgment, prefigures Christ as the King who perfectly obeys where Saul failed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written for post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), the Chronicler reinterprets earlier accounts from Samuel-Kings to emphasize theological lessons. Unlike Samuel's detailed narrative of Saul's reign, Chronicles presents only his death, focusing readers on David's legitimacy as God's chosen king and the importance of covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on Saul's unfaithfulness challenge you to examine areas of covenant disobedience in your own life?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty in removing and appointing leaders, both in ancient Israel and today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיָּ֣מָת1 of 16

died

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָׁא֗וּל2 of 16

So Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בְּמַֽעֲלוֹ֙3 of 16

which he committed

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מָעַ֣ל5 of 16

for his transgression

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 16

against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דְּבַ֥ר8 of 16

even against the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 16

against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא11 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמָ֑ר12 of 16

which he kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וְגַם13 of 16
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לִשְׁא֥וֹל14 of 16

not and also for asking

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

בָּא֖וֹב15 of 16

counsel of one that had a familiar spirit

H178

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

לִדְרֽוֹשׁ׃16 of 16

to enquire

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 10:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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