1 Samuel 31:1-13

A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 31

1 Samuel 31:1-6

Saul's death. Samuel had told Saul that he would die in battle. This came to pass as the armies of Israel and Philistia met in battle on Mt. Gilboa. Saul fell on his sword and killed himself. His sons were killed with him in this fatal battle.

1 Samuel 31:7-13

Saul's burial. The Philistines cut off Saul's head and stripped off his armor. They put his armor in the house of their gods the Ashtaroth. They fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan. The men of Jabesh-Gilead heard that Saul's body was hanging on Beth-shan. They came by night and took the body and gave it a decent burial.

LESSONS FOR LEARNING

1.

The word of God is sure. Saul had done everything he could to try to thwart God's will. Even though he had disobeyed God on at least two outstanding occasions, he evidently thought he could escape the ultimate punishment which was pronounced against him. Samuel had predicted that Saul would die in battle. Saul did die as Samuel said. We may rest well assured that the Word of God cannot be broken. The prophecies of God are sure to be fulfilled.

2.

Faithful friends are priceless. Saul had befriended the men of Jabesh-Gilead by rescuing them out of the hands of Nahash, the king of the Ammonites. The men of Jabesh-Gilead did not forget that Saul had helped them in the early days of his kingship. They did what they could to see that Saul's body was given a fitting burial. At the risk of their own lives they crossed the Jordan river. Traveling by night they came to the wall of Beth-shan and took down the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons. They took these bones back to their town and gave them an honorable burial.

CHAPTER 31 IN REVIEW

1.

On what mountain did Israel fight the Philistines?

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2.

What sons of Saul were slain?

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3.

Who wounded Saul?

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4.

Whom did Saul ask to slay him?

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5.

How did Saul die?

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6.

Where did the Philistines put Saul's armor?

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7.

Where was Saul's body hanged?

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8.

What men took down his body?

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9.

What did the rescuers do with Saul's body?

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10.

How long did they mourn for Saul?

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