1 Crônicas 10

1 Crônicas 10

1 Chronicles 10:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. the Philistines fought: 1Sa 28:1 1Sa 29:1,2 1Sa 31:1,2-13 mount: 1Ch 10:8 1Sa 28:4 31:1 2Sa 1:6,21 21:12 Related Passages: 1 Samuel 28:1+ Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed camps for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, “Know assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men.” 1 Samuel 29:1-2+ Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek, while the Israelites were camping by the spring which is in Jezreel. 2 And the lords of the Philistines were proceeding on by hundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were proceeding on in the rear with Achish. 1 Samuel 31:1+ Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa - In 1Sa 28:4 Israel camped at Mount Gilboa but in 1Sa 31 they are massacred at Mount Gilboa! John Barnett - When I read a letter or card I usually start by looking at the end to see who it is from. When I read a book I often look at the end to see whether the hero makes it alive to the end. When I start a biographical study of a person God chose to be included in His Word I always look at the END of their life first. Why is that? Because God said that the way we finish is what counts. It is not how we start the race, but how we finish the race that really matters. That’s why Paul triumphantly said, “I have finished the course” (2 Timothy 4:7)! 1 Chronicles 10:2 The Philistines closely pursued Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan, Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. Jonathan: 1Ch 8:33 9:39 1Sa 14:6,39,40 2Ki 23:29 Isa 57:1,2 Abinadab: 1Sa 14:49 the sons: Ex 20:5 2Ki 25:7 PHILISTINES INFLICT FATAL BLOWS ON SAUL'S THREE SONS The Philistines closely pursued Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan, Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul - Three of Saul's 4 sons are killed. Only Eshbaal ("man of Baal" - what a godless name for a son!), later named Ish-bosheth ("man of shame"), remained alive and would assume the role of king after his father's death. 1 Chronicles 10:3 The battle became heavy against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was wounded by the archers. The battle became heavy: 1Sa 31:3-6 2Sa 1:4-10 Am 2:14 he was: Ge 49:23,24 ARROW HITS ITS MARK The battle became heavy against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was wounded by the archer - Saul surely had armor on but the armor does not protect every square inch of the body. The Philistine shot the arrow, but the LORD directed it's course. This strike of Saul was not an accidental or chance hit. In God's mind, it was Saul's time to step down from the monarchy "Therefore He (YAHWEH) killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse." (1Ch 10:14) 1 Chronicles 10:4 Then Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and abuse me." But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took his sword and fell on it. Draw: Jdg 9:54 uncircumcised: Jdg 15:18 1Sa 14:6 17:26,36 2Sa 1:20 abuse Jdg 16:21,23-25 he was: 1Sa 31:4 2Sa 1:14-16 Saul took: 1Ch 10:5 2Sa 1:9,10 17:23 1Ki 16:18 Mt 27:4,5 Ac 1:18 16:27 Related Passage: 2 Samuel 1:14-16 Then David said to him (THE AMALEKITE WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE KILLED SAUL) , “How is it you were not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the LORD’S anointed?” 15 And David called one of the young men and said, “Go, cut him down.” So he struck him and he died. 16 David said to him, “Your blood is on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’S anointed (2Sa 1:10).’ SAUL SEEKS EUTHANASIA Then Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised will come and abuse me." Notice he says that the Philistines will first kill him and then abuse him, and in fact as the story concludes they did mock him! He could do nothing to prevent this from happening for he was in Sheol (whether on the hot or cool side is the question). The Hebrew abuse me, is translated in the Septuagint with empaizo meaning to ridicule, make fun of, subject to derision or mock. Even to the end, Saul was focused on self. He was concerned with self-image. It is so sad that we see him cry out to his armor bearer but now cry out to Yahweh, Who Alone could save his soul from eternal punishment (so yes, I think there is very little Scriptural evidence that he was truly repentant and regenerate)! But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Why was he afraid? We can only surmise but perhaps he had the attitude of David that one should not touch the LORD'S anointed. Compare the fate of the Amalekite who brought news of Saul's death to King David (2Sa 1:14-16) Therefore (term of conclusion) Saul took his sword and fell on it - In other words, Saul attempted and/or committed suicide. Given the additional information in 2Sa 1:14-16, the question arises as to who killed Saul? Did Saul kill himself or did the Amalekite kill him? Personally I think Saul committed suicide because of the armor bearer's response, which would be something like "I am the one who was supposed to protect his life and I have failed, so I will pay the penalty by taking my life." On the other hand the text says fell on it but does not add "and he died," which might leave open the possibility of Saul even botched his suicide attempt. However the parallel text in First Chronicles seems very clear recording "he likewise fell on his sword and died." Walter Kaiser - How Did Saul Die? - goto page 191 in Hard Sayings of the Bible Who is telling the truth? The narrator of 1 Samuel 31 or the Amalekite of 2 Samuel 1:6–10? Or to put the question in another way: Did Saul commit suicide, or was he killed by this Amalekite, as he claimed, at Saul’s own request? Although there have been attempts at harmonizing the two accounts, the effort always seems to fall short of being convincing. For example, as early as the first Christian century, Josephus tried to make the accounts fit each other. Josephus claimed (Antiquities 6, 370–72 [xiv.7]) that after Saul’s armor-bearer refused to kill Saul, Saul tried to fall on his own sword, but he was too weak to do so. Saul turned and saw this Amalekite, who, upon the king’s request, complied and killed him, having found the king leaning on his sword. Afterward the Amalekite took the king’s crown and armband and fled, whereupon Saul’s armor-bearer killed himself. While everything seems to fit in this harmonization, there is one fact that is out of line: the armor-bearer. The armor-bearer was sufficiently convinced of Saul’s death to follow his example (1 Sam 31:5). Thus, Josephus’s greatest mistake was in trusting the Amalekite. Also, it is most improbable that the Amalekite found Saul leaning on his sword, an unlikely sequel of a botched attempt at suicide. It is my conclusion that Saul did commit suicide, a violation of the law of God, and that the Amalekite was lying in order to obtain favor with the new administration. Norman Geisler - goto page 153 in When Critics Ask - 1 SAMUEL 31:4 —Was Saul’s suicide justifiable? PROBLEM: King Saul was mortally wounded, and he asked his armor bearer to assist him in committing suicide. Was this justified? SOLUTION: Suicide is murder, and the Bible says, “You shall not murder” (Ex. 20:13). It makes no difference that the life taken is one’s own. All life belongs to God, and He alone has the right to take it (Deut. 32:39 ; Job 1:21). Even the most desperate believers in the Bible who desired death never considered suicide a morally viable alternative. Rather, recognizing the sovereign hand of God over human life, they prayed like Jonah: “Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3). Though they wanted God to take it, they never considered it right to take it themselves. Furthermore, with the exception of Samson (see comments on page 130 on Jdg 16:26–27), there are at least five cases of suicide recorded in Scripture, and none of them is approved by God—Abimelech (Jdg 9:50–56 ); Saul (1Sa 31:1–6 ); Zimri ( 1Ki 16:18–19 ); Ahithophel (2Sa 17:23 ); and Judas who betrayed Christ (Mt 27:3–10 ). Each met a tragic death, and none met with divine approval. Suicide is an attack on the image of God in man ( Gen. 1:27 ) and an attempt to usurp God’s sovereignty over human life. Norman Geisler - goto page 153 in When Critics Ask - 1 SAMUEL 31 —The report of Saul’s death in this passage contradicts that given in the next chapter (2Sa 1 ) PROBLEM: First Samuel 31 says that King Saul committed suicide by falling on his sword, but 2 Samuel 1 records that he was killed by an Amalekite as he was about to lean on his sword. SOLUTION: Some claim that both stories are true, taking the Amalekite’s story as supplementary. They claim that Saul attempted suicide, but was not dead when the Amalekite arrived and finished the job. They point to the fact that the Amalekite had Saul’s sword and bracelet as evidence that his account was true, as well as the fact that David punished him by death for killing the king. The objections to this view are that it contradicts the statements of 1 Samuel 31 , that “Saul took a sword and fell on it” and that his armorbearer “saw that Saul was dead” (vv. 4–5 ), as well as the inspired record that says “so Saul … died” (v. 6 ). Others see the 1 Samuel story as the correct version and the one in 2 Samuel 1 as a true record of the fabrication of the Amalekite who came upon Saul after he died and thought he could gain favor with David by taking credit for the feat. They point to the fact that the story contradicts the record in 1 Samuel 31 , that the Amalekite did not seem to know that Saul died by a sword, not a spear, and that 1 Chronicles 10 repeats the story as recorded in 1 Samuel, but not the fabrication of the Amalekite. The main objections to this view are that 2 Samuel does not say his story is a lie, and that David killed him for his act. In response, he may have been killed on the basis of his self-confession ( 2 Sam. 1:16 ). And the fact that his story was in contradiction to that in 1 Samuel may have been taken as sufficient evidence that his story was a fabrication. Apologetics Study Bible (see note) - The Bible provides three complementary accounts of Saul’s receiving mortal wounds leading to his death. According to verse 3, Saul was severely wounded by a Philistine arrow. Then, to avoid being sadistically executed by the vengeance-seeking Philistines (1Sa 17:51; 18:27), Saul fell on his own sword (1Sa 31:4), receiving a second grave wound that in time would have killed him (2Sa 1:9). His armor-bearer, seeing that the king was now dead, then fell upon his sword and perished, as well (1Sa 31:5). Later, an Amalekite—probably on the battlefield to steal personal possessions from the corpses—tried to take credit for dealing Saul’s final death blow (2Sa 1:6–10); whether or not he was telling the truth, it was a foolish move on his part. Though this sequence of events as the Bible relates it is complicated, it is certainly plausible. 1 Chronicles 10:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword and died. Related Passage: 1 Samuel 31:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. SAUL EXITS VIA SUICIDE When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword and died - While the armor bearer did not check Saul's pulse, the text does say Saul was dead. It does not say Saul appeared to be dead. Therefore it is reasonable to conclude that Saul was dead and the Amalekite who came to David in 2Sa 1:10-16 was lying, apparently in an attempt to curry favor with David, since the Amalekite would have reasoned Saul was David's enemy. As we have note before, not once does David refer to Saul as his enemy in First Samuel (one might make a case for David's use of "enemy" in some of the Psalms [Ps 3:7, 6:10, 9:3, 6, etc] but he had other enemies so that term need not refer to Saul). J D Greear offers three main lessons from "Saul, A Religious (and lost) Man." A. Saul kept up religious practices without ever knowing God. B. Saul never learned how to repent. C. Saul died the sinner’s death. Greear has a solemn introduction asking "Is it possible to be extremely active in God’s church and not really know God at all? For some people this kind of question makes no sense at all. It may not even seem worth asking. How could a person not know God if they are active in God’s church? But consider: Is it possible to be married to someone for 40 years and not really love them? Absolutely. Or does walking through a maternity ward automatically make you pregnant? Of course not. Simply being in the vicinity when God is at work is no guarantee of intimacy with Him. In fact, as the Bible demonstrates repeatedly, it is often the religiously active who find it most difficult to know the true God. Some of the most self-deceived people in our society are those who are active in our churches. (See Sermon notes 1 Samuel 28:13-20; 31:1-13 - The Tragedy of Dying Without God - The Search for a King) Norman Geisler - goto page 153 in When Critics Ask 1 SAMUEL 31:4 —Was Saul’s suicide justifiable? PROBLEM: King Saul was mortally wounded, and he asked his armor bearer to assist him in committing suicide. Was this justified? SOLUTION: Suicide is murder, and the Bible says, “You shall not murder” (Ex. 20:13). It makes no difference that the life taken is one’s own. All life belongs to God, and He alone has the right to take it (Deut. 32:39 ; Job 1:21). Even the most desperate believers in the Bible who desired death never considered suicide a morally viable alternative. Rather, recognizing the sovereign hand of God over human life, they prayed like Jonah: “Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3). Though they wanted God to take it, they never considered it right to take it themselves. Furthermore, with the exception of Samson (see comments on page 130 on Jdg 16:26–27), there are at least five cases of suicide recorded in Scripture, and none of them is approved by God—Abimelech (Jdg 9:50–56); Saul (1Sa 31:1–6 ); Zimri ( 1Ki 16:18–19 ); Ahithophel (2Sa 17:23 ); and Judas who betrayed Christ (Mt 27:3–10). Each met a tragic death, and none met with divine approval. Suicide is an attack on the image of God in man (Gen. 1:27 ) and an attempt to usurp God’s sovereignty over human life. QUESTION - What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide? See accompanying video ANSWER - The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4–6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Five of these men were noted for their wickedness (the exception is Saul’s armor-bearer—nothing is said of his character). Some consider Samson’s death an instance of suicide, because he knew his actions would lead to his death (Judges 16:26–31), but Samson’s goal was to kill Philistines, not himself. The Bible views suicide as equal to murder, which is what it is—self-murder. God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the psalmist, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15). God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No man or woman should presume to take God’s authority upon themselves to end his or her own life. Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings 19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (Jonah 4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point “were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission. Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God. Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things: “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). So, according to the Bible, suicide is a sin. It is not the “greatest” sin—it is no worse than other evils, in terms of how God sees it, and it does not determine a person’s eternal destiny. However, suicide definitely has a deep and lasting impact on those left behind. The painful scars left by a suicide do not heal easily. May God grant His grace to each one who is facing trials today (Psalm 67:1). And may each of us take hope in the promise, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). If you are considering suicide, please seek help now. Call 1-800-273-8255, the national hotline, get yourself to a hospital if you can, call 911, go alert someone in your home, apartment, or workplace, or wherever you are, and do whatever it takes to get help. GotQuestions.org National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory Suicide hotlines available in most countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html Related Resources: If a Christian commits suicide, is he/she still saved? | GotQuestions.org - ED: Short answer - he/she is eternally safe in the arms of Jesus! Click link for a more complete discussion. Why should I not commit suicide? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about euthanasia / assisted suicide? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about suicide? How can I help someone who is suicidal? | GotQuestions.org What are some Bible verses about suicide? | GotQuestions.org 1 Chronicles 10:6 Thus Saul died with his three sons, and all those of his house died together. Saul: 1Sa 4:10,11,18 12:25 Ec 9:1,2 Ho 13:10,11 Related Passages: 1 Samuel 31:6+ Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together. 2 Samuel 2:8 But Abner (RECALL DAVID HAD MOCKED ABNER IN 1Sa 26:14-16+ - IS THIS ABNER'S "REVENGE"?) the son of Ner (Ner was Saul's uncle), commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. 2 Samuel 21:8 So the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, Armoni and Mephibosheth whom she had borne to Saul, and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she had borne to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite. Thus Saul died with his three sons, and all those of his house died together - The "all" refers to all the men who fought with him, because we know that some his sons and troops did survive (see 2Sa. 2:8; 2Sa 21:8). TSK Note - all those of his house: "All his men," in Samuel; that is, all who were present with him in the battle; and his family received such a blow, that it never recovered itself again. For though Ishbosheth reigned over a part of the country, yet it was not in any splendour. This history seems to be repeated here as an introduction to that of the kingdom of David. 1 CHRONICLES 10:6—Did all of Saul’s family die with him or not? PROBLEM: Here we read, “Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together.” But, in 2 Samuel 2:8, Saul’s son Ishbosheth was not killed and was even later made king. SOLUTION: Ishbosheth was not encompassed by this statement, since he was not part of Saul’s house who had attended him or followed him to war. So he was not part of the group referred to as “all Saul’s men.” First Samuel 31:6 states that “Saul, his three sons, his armorbearer, and all his men died together [in battle] that same day.” Further, not all the grandchildren were killed, since Saul’s son Jonathan had a handicapped son named Mephibosheth who also survived (2Sa 4:4). It is understandable that someone in his condition was not part of Saul’s army and, therefore, did not die with Saul’s other men in battle. G C