So Saul died for his transgression . (For this transgression and the stress laid upon it and its predicted consequences, see 1 Samuel 15:1-9 , 1 Samuel 15:11 , 1 Samuel 15:14 ; 1 Samuel 28:18 .) For asking… of… a familiar spirit ( 1 Samuel 28:7-24 ). read more
So far as this work is concerned, Saul is introduced to us, and takes "for ever" his farewell of us, in this one and the same chapter. We know him, however, well elsewhere. On the background of a bright sky, we are at once prepared to say, his figure stands out, and ever will stand out, dark in appearance, of somewhat commanding proportions, with the bearing of no altogether ordinary man—a striking figure, indeed, but one that strikes fear and a chill feeling throughout one, rather than one... read more
And inquired not of the Lord . Saul seems to have, in point of fact, inquired in some sense ( 1 Samuel 14:37 ; 1 Samuel 28:5 , 1 Samuel 28:6 , 1 Samuel 28:15 ). But the probable meaning is that he did not inquire in the first instance (see 1 Chronicles 10:3 , 1 Chronicles 10:4 ); and when he did inquire, he did not await the reply solely and exclusively of Jehovah. Therefore he slew him (so see 1 Chronicles 2:3 ). David the son of Jesse . The compiler, having heretofore... read more
The present chapter contains two facts not found in 1 Samuel 31:1-13 - the fastening of Saul’s head in the temple of Dagon 1 Chronicles 10:10, and the burial of his bones, and those of his sons, under an oak 1 Chronicles 10:12. Otherwise the narrative differs from 1 Samuel 31:1-13 only by being abbreviated (see especially 1 Chronicles 10:6-7, 1 Chronicles 10:11-12), and by having some moral reflections attached to it 1 Chronicles 10:13-14. read more
All his house died together - Not the whole of his family, nor even “all his sons” (see 2Sa 2:8-15; 2 Samuel 3:6-15; 2 Samuel 4:1-12). The phrase is perhaps an abbreviation of the expression in the parallel passage of Samuel 1 Samuel 31:6. read more
For his transgression - Compare 1 Chronicles 9:1. The “transgression” intended is probably the disobedience with respect to Amalek, recorded in 1 Samuel 15:1-9 (compare 1 Samuel 28:17-18). read more
1 Chronicles 10:1. The men of Israel fled Thus princes sin, and the people suffer for it. No doubt there was enough in them to deserve it. But that which divine justice had chiefly an eye to, was the sin of Saul. Great men should, in an especial manner, take heed of provoking God’s wrath. For if they kindle that fire, they know not how many may be consumed by it for their sakes. See notes on 1 Samuel 31:0. read more
1 Chronicles 10:6. Saul died, and all his house All his children then present with him, namely, his three sons; for Ish-bosheth and Mephibosheth were not slain. read more
1 Chronicles 10:10. In the temple of Dagon If we give not God the glory of our successes, even Philistines will rise up in judgment with us, and condemn us. Shall Dagon have so great a place in their triumphs, and the true God be forgotten in ours? read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Chronicles 10:12
Jabesh . This is the only place where "Jabesh" is used as an abbreviation for Jabesh-gilead, of which it was the chief city. Gilead comprised the lots of Reuben and Gad ( Numbers 32:1-5 , Numbers 32:25-32 , Numbers 32:39-41 ) and of half Manasseh ( 1 Chronicles 27:21 ). Saul had on a celebrated occasion ( 1 Samuel 11:1-13 ) befriended the people of Jabesh-gilead, coming to their rescue against Nahath the Ammonite, of which kindness they are now mindful, show that rarest of virtues,... read more