Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 31

Verse 4

31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, {a} Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

(a) So we see that his cruel life has a desperate end, as is commonly seen in those who persecute the children of God.

Verse 7

31:7 And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of the {b} valley, and [they] that [were] on the other side {c} Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

(b) Near to Gilboa.

(c) The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.

Verse 9

31:9 And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to {d} publish [it in] the house of their idols, and among the people.

(d) In token of victory and triumph.

Verse 11

31:11 And when the inhabitants of {e} Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;

(e) Whom he had delivered from their enemies, 1 Samuel 11:11.

Verse 13

31:13 And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, and {f} fasted seven days.

(f) According to the custom of mourners.