King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 10:7 Mean?

1 Chronicles 10:7 in the King James Version says “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 th...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 10:7 · KJV

Context

5

And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.

6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully 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, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Divine judgment on disobedience. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Contrast between failed human kingship and Christ's perfect reign.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Saul's death and divine judgment occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Divine judgment on disobedience challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Contrast between failed human kingship and Christ's perfect reign teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַ֠יִּרְאוּ1 of 19

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כָּל2 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִ֨ישׁ3 of 19

“And when all the men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל4 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁר5 of 19
H834

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

בָּעֵ֙מֶק֙6 of 19

“that were in the valley”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

כִּ֣י7 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ8 of 19

“and fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

וְכִי9 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵ֖תוּ10 of 19

“were dead”

H4191

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

שָׁא֣וּל11 of 19

“and that Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וּבָנָ֑יו12 of 19

“and his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיַּֽעַזְב֤וּ13 of 19

“then they forsook”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

עָֽרֵיהֶם֙14 of 19

“their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיָּנֻ֔סוּ15 of 19

“and fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ16 of 19

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים17 of 19

“and the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֖וּ18 of 19

“and dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּהֶֽם׃19 of 19
H0

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 10:7 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 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 26:361 Samuel 31:7Leviticus 26:31Deuteronomy 28:43Deuteronomy 28:33Judges 6:2

Places in This Verse

Valley of JezreelValley · Modern: Jezreel Valley · 32.60°N, 35.24°E5 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 10 →

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