1 Samuel 31:1-6

1 Now the Pelishtim fought against Yisra'el: and the men of Yisra'el fled from before the Pelishtim, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa.

2 The Pelishtim followed hard on Sha'ul and on his sons; and the Pelishtim killed Yonatan, and Avinadav, and Malki-Shua, the sons of Sha'ul.

3 The battle went sore against Sha'ul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.

4 Then said Sha'ul to his armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armor bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Sha'ul took his sword, and fell on it.

5 When his armor bearer saw that Sha'ul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword, and died with him.

6 So Sha'ul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, and all his men, that same day together.

1 Samuel 31:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 31

This chapter gives an account of the battle between the Philistines and the Israelites, which had been preparing for, and the issue of it; in which Saul, his three sons, and his servants, were slain, upon which his army fled, and several of his cities were taken, 1Sa 31:1-7; what the Philistines did with his body and his armour, 1Sa 31:8-10; the former of which, together with the bodies of his sons, the men of Jabeshgilead rescued, and burnt them, and buried their bones under a tree at Jabesh, expressing great sorrow and concern, 1Sa 31:11-13.