Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 10

Verse 1

Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

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.

Verse 6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.

His house — All his children, then present with him, namely, his three sons, for Ishbosheth and Mephiboshieth were not slain.

Verse 10

And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.

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?

Verse 12

They arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

Seven days — Every day ’till evening, after the manner of the Jewish fasts.

Verse 13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;

The word — Against God’s express command: which is a great aggravation of any sin.

Familiar spirit — Which also was contrary to a manifest command, Leviticus 19:31.

Verse 14

And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

Enquired not — He did in some sort, but not in a right manner, not humbly and penitently, not diligently and importunately, not patiently and perseveringly. Nor ’till he was brought to the last extremity. And then it was too late.