Scripture Text
1 Samuel 31
Theme
The end of rebellion is personal, and sometimes family, tragedy.
Introduction
In chapter 28, we studied Saul’s Wicked Witchcraft, when Saul went to the woman at Endor who had a familiar spirit and sought counsel from the deceased prophet Samuel.
Samuel informed Saul that he would die in battle the following day and that Israel would be defeated by the Philistines.
In the intervening chapters, the narrative shifted to David and his exploits against the Amalekites who attacked Ziklag.
In chapter 31, the narrative returns to Saul and records the battle against the Philistines, along with Saul’s death, disgrace, and burial.
Sermon Outline
- The Dead in the Battle (Vs 1-6)
- The Disgrace of the Battle (Vs 7-13)
The Dead in the Battle
(1 Samuel 31:1-6)
The Death of Saul’s Sons
(Vs 1-2)
Israel Fled from the Battle
The chapter opens with the battle already underway.
The Philistines launched their attack against Saul’s army and quickly gained the advantage.
The Philistines preferred fighting on level ground where their chariots gave them superiority, while Israel attempted to draw them into hill country near Mount Gilboa.
Israel was outnumbered and outmatched.
“Saul’s soldiers were no match for the Philistine army…”
The battle was marked by fleeing, falling, and forsaking.
Israel’s Rebellion Brought Judgment
Israel often experienced defeat because of rebellion against God.
The people rejected God’s theocracy and demanded a king instead.
Saul himself possessed the same rebellious spirit as the nation.
His rebellion began to intensify after refusing to utterly destroy Amalek.
The rebellion of both Saul and the nation eventually brought God’s judgment upon Israel.
Saul’s Sons Were Slain
As Israel’s army retreated, the Philistines aggressively pursued Saul and his sons.
Jonathan, Abinadab, and Melchi-shua appear to have fought a rear-guard action to protect Saul’s retreat.
All three sons were slain in battle.
Application for the Christian Home
A parent’s rebellion against God can negatively affect their children.
Jonathan was a godly man, yet Saul’s rebellion cost Jonathan his life.
Bad spiritual decisions by parents often produce long-term consequences for children.
The choices made by leaders influence those under their care.
The Death of King Saul
(Vs 4-6)
Saul Was Wounded by an Arrow
After the death of Saul’s sons, the Philistines continued pursuing Saul.
An archer struck Saul with an arrow, seriously wounding him.
The phrase “sore wounded” describes intense pain and severe injury.
Saul realised death was near.
Saul Requested Death
Saul asked his armourbearer to kill him before the Philistines arrived.
His armourbearer refused.
Saul feared:
- A painful death
- Torture by the Philistines
- The shame of capture
Saul Fell on His Own Sword
Saul committed suicide rather than fall into the hands of the Philistines.
“Saul… did not live the life of the righteous and so did not die like the righteous.”
The armourbearer followed Saul’s example and also took his own life.
1 Samuel 31:6
“So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.”
One rebellious life brought devastating consequences upon many others.
The Cost of Rebellion
Saul’s rebellion, combined with the rebellion of Israel, brought enormous loss upon the nation.
- Saul died
- Three princes of Israel died
- Israel’s army was defeated
- The nation lost territory
Rebellion against God always carries consequences.
The Disgrace of the Battle
(1 Samuel 31:7-13)
The Disgrace of Abandoned Cities
(Vs 7)
When the Israelites saw their army defeated, they abandoned their cities to the Philistines.
This land had been promised to Israel by God.
The loss of territory signified God’s judgment upon the nation.
“There is a price to pay for turning away from the commands of God.”
The Disgrace of Desecrated Bodies
(Vs 8-13)
The Philistines Looted the Dead
The Philistines stripped the slain bodies after the battle.
When they discovered Saul and his sons, they treated the bodies as trophies.
They:
- Cut off Saul’s head
- Displayed his armour in the house of their gods
- Fastened Saul’s body to the wall of Beth-shan
The Philistines Mocked Israel’s God
The Philistines viewed this victory as proof that their gods had triumphed over the God of Israel.
When God’s people suffer public defeat, the world often mocks the God they claim to serve.
The same principle applies today when Christians live in moral compromise and rebellion.
The world associates the behaviour of God’s people with the God they profess to worship.
Saul’s Decline
Saul began as a successful military leader and national hero.
Yet pride, jealousy, and disobedience gradually destroyed him.
“Because of his pride and disobedience, Saul lost everything.”
The Kindness of Jabesh-gilead
(Vs 11-13)
Saul’s Earlier Kindness Remembered
In the early days of Saul’s reign, he delivered Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites.
The men of Jabesh-gilead never forgot Saul’s kindness.
The Bodies Were Recovered
The valiant men of Jabesh-gilead rescued the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan.
They buried the remains and fasted seven days in honour of their fallen king.
David later commended these men for showing honour to Saul.
The Bitter End of Saul’s Reign
Saul’s rebellion led to tragedy:
- Three sons were killed
- Saul died
- Israel suffered defeat
- Cities were abandoned
- God’s name was mocked among the Philistines
Pride and rebellion bring destruction upon both individuals and nations.
James 4:6
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Conclusion
Israel’s battle was characterised by fleeing, falling, and forsaking.
Likewise, Christians who rebel against God will often find spiritual defeat marking their lives.
Pride, stubbornness, and rebellion place people in opposition to God.
God resists the proud, but He gives grace to those who humbly submit themselves to Him.