1 Chronicles 10:13

KJV

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];

KJV (with Strong's)

So Saul {H7586} died {H4191} for his transgression {H4604} which he committed {H4603} against the LORD {H3068}, even against the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, which he kept {H8104} not, and also for asking {H7592} counsel of one that had a familiar spirit {H178}, to enquire {H1875} of it;

Complete Jewish Bible

So Sha'ul died for the transgression he committed against ADONAI, because of the word of ADONAI that he did not keep and because he sought the counsel of a spirit

Berean Standard Bible

So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance,

American Standard Version

So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Jehovah, because of the word of Jehovah, which he kept not; and also for that he asked counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire thereby,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 10:13 serves as the Chronicler's definitive theological explanation for the demise of King Saul, asserting that his death was not merely a military casualty but a direct divine judgment. The verse attributes Saul's downfall to two cardinal transgressions: his profound and persistent disobedience to the word of the LORD, and his egregious act of seeking forbidden counsel from a medium with a familiar spirit. This concise yet potent statement underscores the severe consequences of rebellion against divine authority and highlights the critical importance of covenant faithfulness, thereby setting the stage for the legitimate transfer of kingship to David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the grim account of Saul's death and the defeat of Israel by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, and it directly precedes the narrative of David's anointing as king over all Israel in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King"). In the Chronicler's broader theological history, Saul's reign functions as a tragic, yet necessary, prelude to the glorious and divinely sanctioned Davidic dynasty. Unlike the more detailed and nuanced portrayal in the books of Samuel, 1 Chronicles offers a highly selective and interpretive history, focusing on the theological reasons for national success and failure. The Chronicler's post-exilic audience would have understood Saul's swift and stark demise as a clear divine justification for the transfer of the kingdom to David, emphasizing that God's choice and covenant faithfulness are paramount for legitimate rule. Thus, this verse acts as a crucial theological bridge, explaining the divine rationale for the transition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Saul ruled Israel during a tumultuous period, approximately the late 11th to early 10th century BCE, marking the transition from a decentralized tribal confederacy to a unified monarchy. His reign was characterized by ongoing existential threats, particularly from the Philistines. Within the ancient Near Eastern cultural landscape, kings often held sacral roles, mediating between the divine and human realms. However, Israel's monarchy was unique in its absolute subservience to Yahweh's law and prophetic word. Practices such as divination, necromancy, and consulting "familiar spirits" were prevalent in surrounding pagan cultures but were unequivocally condemned as abominations in Israelite law, as explicitly stated in passages like [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices"). Saul's desperate turn to the medium of Endor, recounted in [1 Samuel 28](/1_samuel/28 "1 Samuel 28 - Saul and the Medium of Endor"), was a profound act of apostasy, revealing his ultimate failure to trust in God's legitimate means of communication and guidance.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 10:13 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda, providing a foundational understanding for the subsequent narrative. Foremost is the theme of **divine sovereignty and justice**, illustrating God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to holding even kings accountable for their actions. Saul's death is presented not as a random casualty of war but as a direct execution of divine judgment for his **disobedience to God's word**. This highlights the critical importance of **covenant faithfulness** and the severe consequences of rebellion against God's revealed will. Furthermore, the verse underscores the spiritual danger of **seeking forbidden counsel** and the peril of turning away from God to occult practices, emphasizing that true guidance and authority reside solely with the LORD. Saul's life serves as a cautionary tale, contrasting sharply with the ideal of a king who walks in obedience, a standard that David, despite his personal failures, largely embodied in his commitment to God's covenant and the establishment of true worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Transgression (Hebrew, _maʻal'_):** This term (H4604) signifies an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or a breach of trust, particularly in a religious or covenantal context. It implies a deliberate act of disloyalty against God, often involving a violation of sacred obligations or property. In Saul's case, it refers to his repeated acts of rebellion against God's commands, such as his failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites as commanded by God through Samuel (see [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding the Amalekites")). The word emphasizes the profound betrayal inherent in his actions against the LORD.
* **Kept not (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** Derived from the verb meaning "to guard," "to observe," or "to obey" (H8104), this phrase, used in the negative, emphasizes Saul's failure to adhere to, protect, or fulfill the word of the LORD. It highlights a deliberate and persistent refusal to live in accordance with divine instruction, indicating a heart that was not fully devoted to God's will. This lack of "keeping" points to a fundamental and ongoing rebellion against divine authority.
* **Familiar spirit (Hebrew, _ʼôwb'_):** This term (H178) refers to a necromancer, a person who consults the dead, or the spirit itself that supposedly communicates through such a person. It can also denote a "mumble" or "hollow sound," alluding to the ventriloquistic nature of such practices. In Israelite law, consulting such spirits was a severe abomination, explicitly forbidden (e.g., [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Prohibition Against Familiar Spirits")). Saul's act of seeking counsel from the medium of Endor (as detailed in [1 Samuel 28:7-25](/1_samuel/28-7-25 "1 Samuel 28:7-25 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")) was a desperate and final act of apostasy, demonstrating a complete abandonment of faith in God's legitimate channels of communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the theological premise of Saul's death: it was a direct divine judgment, not merely a consequence of battle. The phrase "against the LORD" underscores the personal and profound nature of Saul's offense; his sin was a direct affront to God's authority, holiness, and covenant. His "transgression" (maʻal) points to a deep-seated unfaithfulness and a breach of his covenantal obligations as king and leader of God's people.
* **"[even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not":** This clause specifies the primary nature of Saul's transgression, identifying his fundamental failure as a persistent and deliberate disobedience to God's revealed commands. This refers to multiple instances throughout his reign, notably his failure to wait for Samuel before offering a sacrifice (see [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice")) and his incomplete obedience regarding the Amalekites (see [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding the Amalekites")). His failure to "keep" God's word indicates a fundamental rebellion against divine authority, prioritizing his own will and perceived needs over God's explicit instructions.
* **"and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];":** This clause highlights a second, distinct, and particularly egregious sin that sealed Saul's fate. His consultation with the medium of Endor was a desperate act of necromancy, a practice explicitly forbidden and considered an abomination in Israel. This demonstrated a profound lack of trust in God, a turning away from legitimate divine counsel (through prophets like Samuel or the Urim and Thummim), and a desperate resort to pagan practices, thereby severing his relationship with the LORD and confirming his spiritual apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound theological significance of Saul's death. The most prominent is **Theological Commentary**, where historical events are not merely recounted but interpreted through a distinct divine lens. Rather than simply narrating *what* happened, the Chronicler explicitly explains *why* it happened from God's perspective, attributing Saul's demise directly to divine judgment for specific sins. This is further emphasized through **Repetition and Emphasis**, particularly with phrases like "against the LORD" and "against the word of the LORD," which underscore the direct and personal nature of Saul's offense against God's person and revealed will. The immediate **Juxtaposition** of Saul's death with David's anointing in the subsequent verses serves to highlight the stark contrast between the disobedient, rejected king and the chosen, faithful king, thereby legitimizing the Davidic line as divinely ordained. Finally, Saul's story functions as a powerful **Negative Exemplum** or cautionary tale, providing a clear warning to the post-exilic community about the severe consequences of disobedience, unfaithfulness, and apostasy, urging them to embrace wholehearted devotion to the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 10:13 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is sovereign, holy, and just, and that He holds all individuals, especially those in positions of leadership, accountable for their obedience to His revealed will. Saul's death serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin, particularly rebellion against divine authority and the spiritual danger of seeking guidance outside of God's prescribed ways. His ultimate fate underscores that persistent unfaithfulness and a turning to forbidden spiritual practices lead to separation from God and ultimately, judgment. This passage emphasizes that true security, blessing, and legitimate authority come only through wholehearted devotion and obedience to the LORD, reinforcing the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's tragic end, as explained in 1 Chronicles 10:13, offers timeless lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful warning against the perils of selective obedience and the temptation to seek answers or comfort from sources outside of God's revealed truth. In a world saturated with competing voices, spiritual alternatives, and the allure of quick fixes, Saul's story reminds us that our primary allegiance and ultimate source of wisdom must always be the LORD and His infallible Word. We are called to cultivate a heart of complete submission, trusting in God's perfect guidance rather than resorting to human wisdom, desperate measures, or forbidden spiritual practices. While God is rich in mercy and grace, Saul's experience also underscores that persistent, unrepentant rebellion has grave consequences, reminding us to humbly confess our sins and continually align our lives with God's righteous standards, knowing that He desires our full devotion and trust, and that true life is found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's story challenge my understanding of obedience to God's word, especially when it conflicts with my own desires or perceived needs?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek counsel or guidance from sources other than God's revealed truth (e.g., popular opinion, self-help gurus, or even unhealthy spiritual practices)?**
* **What does Saul's ultimate fate teach me about the long-term consequences of unconfessed sin and persistent rebellion against God's authority?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler emphasize these specific reasons for Saul's death, rather than focusing on the battle itself?**

Answer: The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic audience, had a distinct theological agenda that transcended mere historical reporting. His primary goal was to interpret history through a divine lens, demonstrating God's justice, sovereignty, and the critical importance of covenant faithfulness. By explicitly stating that Saul died "for his transgression" and "against the word of the LORD," the Chronicler provides a clear divine justification for the collapse of Saul's dynasty and the subsequent establishment of the Davidic monarchy. This emphasis served as a crucial lesson for the returning exiles: obedience to God's law and the rejection of pagan practices were paramount for national prosperity and divine favor, while disobedience inevitably led to judgment. The battle on Mount Gilboa was merely the means through which God's preordained judgment was executed.

**Was Saul's consultation with the medium of Endor the "unforgivable sin"?**

Answer: While Saul's act of consulting the medium of Endor (as described in [1 Samuel 28](/1_samuel/28 "1 Samuel 28 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")) was a profound act of apostasy and a clear violation of Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 20:6](/leviticus/20-6 "Leviticus 20:6 - Punishment for Consulting Mediums")), the Bible does not explicitly label it as "the unforgivable sin." Rather, it was the culmination of a long pattern of disobedience, pride, and a profound lack of faith that characterized much of Saul's reign. It demonstrated his ultimate rejection of God's legitimate channels of communication and his desperate turn to forbidden practices when God remained silent. While it certainly sealed his fate, it was part of a broader trajectory of rebellion against the LORD, rather than a single, isolated act that was uniquely unforgivable. The "unforgivable sin" in the New Testament (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")) refers to a deliberate, persistent, and unrepentant rejection of God's truth and the Holy Spirit's convicting work, which Saul's actions certainly mirrored in principle, but it's not the same specific theological concept.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 10:13, in its stark portrayal of Saul's death as a direct consequence of his transgression and rebellion against God's word, powerfully highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect King and a perfect sacrifice. Saul died for his own sin, unable to deliver himself or his people from the wages of his disobedience. His turning to a "familiar spirit" underscores the futility of seeking life or guidance from any source other than God, a path that ultimately leads to death and spiritual darkness. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ is the King who perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross, not for His own transgression, but for ours. He is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the curse of the law that Saul and all humanity failed to keep (as seen in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Where Saul sought counsel from the dead, Christ, through His resurrection, conquered death and the grave, offering true life and eternal guidance to all who believe. His perfect sacrifice, unlike the temporary covering of Old Testament offerings, fully atones for our transgressions, allowing us to be made alive with Him, even when we were dead in our trespasses (as beautifully described in [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). Thus, Saul's tragic end ultimately points to the glorious fulfillment found in Christ, who perfectly embodies the obedience and righteousness that Saul lacked, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 20:6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 19:31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:14

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].

1 Samuel 15:2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember [that] which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid [wait] for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.