I
Samuel 31- Saul and Jonathan die in Battle
The
Philistines fought against Israel. It is the beginning of the end for Saul.
First he was hit in battle by an archer. It is also tragic that Jonathan was
slain in battle. This is remarkable because on another occasion when Jonathan
was fighting the Philistines, he killed 250 of the enemy at one time. This
shows how outnumbered Israel was at that time. This could well have been a
battle in which David and Jonathan would have been on opposite sides, but God
had intervened.
When
Saul saw that he was mortally wounded, he felt that the enemy would come and
abuse him and taunt him. Saul was a proud, egotistical man, and he did not feel
that such an end was becoming to him.
His armor bearer was afraid to lay a hand on the king when Saul asked
him to thrust him through with a sword. So, Saul took a sword and fell upon it.
Death
reigned over Israel; their soldiers died, Saul and his armorbearer died, and
Saul’s son died. Such is the high cost of one man’s rebellion. “For to be carnally
minded is death.” Romans 8:6.
Had
Israel won, God would have been glorified. Instead, the pagan idols were
honored, and the dead were desecrated.
It is bad enough to die in a losing battle, but not to be buried was an
even greater disgrace.
The
brave men of Jabesh Gilead risked their lives to give Saul and his sons a
decent burial. After all, Saul had rescued their city forty years before, and
they were showing their gratitude. David later honored them for their feat.
Please read the chapter listed so that you can
understand God’s Word better.
If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God
Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.
J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference
Commentary
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