1 Chronicles 10:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And enquired {H1875} not of the LORD {H3068}: therefore he slew {H4191} him, and turned {H5437} the kingdom {H4410} unto David {H1732} the son {H1121} of Jesse {H3448}.

Complete Jewish Bible

instead of consulting ADONAI. Therefore ADONAI put him to death and turned the rulership over to David the son of Yishai.

Berean Standard Bible

and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

American Standard Version

and inquired not of Jehovah: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 10:14 serves as a concise yet profound theological summation of King Saul's tragic end, attributing his demise directly to his persistent and fatal spiritual rebellion: his failure to diligently seek and obey the Lord. This pivotal verse not only explains the divine judgment that brought about the downfall of Israel's first monarch but also highlights God's absolute sovereignty in orchestrating the transfer of the kingdom to David, the son of Jesse, thereby marking a monumental transition in the history of God's chosen people and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic theological explanation for King Saul's death, which is narrated in detail throughout [1 Chronicles 10](/1_chronicles/10 "1 Chronicles 10 - The Death of King Saul"). The chapter opens with the Philistine victory over Israel on Mount Gilboa, leading to Saul's severe wounding and eventual suicide. The preceding verse, [1 Chronicles 10:13](/1_chronicles/10-13 "1 Chronicles 10:13 - Saul's Transgression and Death"), explicitly states the Chronicler's interpretive framework: 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." Verse 14 then distills this multifaceted transgression into its core spiritual failure: his neglect to "enquire of the LORD." This immediate literary context emphasizes that Saul's death was not merely a military defeat but a divinely ordained judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative that meticulously details David's rise and reign as God's chosen king. The Chronicler's emphasis here serves to justify the shift in kingship from Saul to David, portraying it as a righteous act of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul was the inaugural king of Israel, anointed by God through the prophet Samuel in response to the people's demand for a king. In ancient Israelite society, the king was expected to be God's vice-regent, ruling under divine authority and consistently seeking God's counsel for national decisions, particularly in matters of war and justice. Legitimate means of inquiry included consulting prophets, priests (who used the Urim and Thummim), and direct prayer. Saul's repeated failure to "enquire of the LORD" was a grave dereliction of his sacred duty and a profound act of spiritual independence. His desperate and forbidden consultation with the [medium of Endor](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7 - Saul and the Medium of Endor") shortly before his final battle (narrated in [1 Samuel 28](/1_samuel/28 "1 Samuel 28 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")) underscores his spiritual desperation and rejection of God's established channels, ultimately sealing his fate and highlighting his unsuitability for the divinely appointed kingship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological themes central to Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the **consequences of disobedience and spiritual independence**, demonstrating unequivocally that neglecting God's counsel and relying on self or forbidden sources leads to divine judgment, as starkly illustrated by Saul's downfall. It also underscores **God's absolute sovereignty over kingship**, revealing that it was God Himself who "slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David." This emphasizes the theological truth articulated elsewhere that God "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine faithfulness amidst human failure**, as God, despite Saul's profound rebellion, remains faithful to His overarching redemptive plan to establish a righteous king, ultimately leading to the anointing of David, a man after God's own heart ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")). The Chronicler's primary aim is to legitimate David's kingship by showing it was God's sovereign will, not merely a political coup.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This verb (H1875) is a primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent," but usually implies "to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." In this context, it denotes a diligent, earnest seeking, consulting, or inquiring, particularly in a spiritual or divine context. Saul's failure was not a singular oversight but a consistent pattern of neglecting this vital spiritual discipline, opting instead for his own wisdom or illicit means. This demonstrated a profound lack of trust and submission to God's authority, a rejection of the covenant relationship.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root (H4191) means "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." While Saul committed suicide on the battlefield, the Chronicler attributes his death directly to God's action ("he slew him"). This emphasizes that Saul's end was a divinely ordained judgment, not merely a tragic accident or a consequence of war. It highlights God's ultimate control over life and death, especially in matters of covenant and kingship, underscoring the theological truth that no one dies outside of God's sovereign will, particularly when it pertains to divine judgment.
* **Turned (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** This primitive root (H5437) means "to revolve, surround, or border," but is used here in a figurative sense to mean "to change" or "to cause to come about." It signifies a decisive and complete transfer of authority. God actively "turned" or "transferred" the kingdom from Saul's lineage to David, underscoring the divine prerogative in establishing and removing rulers. This was not a natural succession or a mere political shift but a sovereign act of God, fulfilling His prior promises and judgments against Saul and setting in motion His plan for the Davidic dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And enquired not of the LORD:"** This initial clause identifies the fundamental spiritual failure that precipitated Saul's downfall. It signifies a chronic unwillingness to seek God's counsel and direction through legitimate means. This was not merely an omission but an active rejection of divine authority and a reliance on self or forbidden sources (like the medium of Endor), constituting a grave sin against the covenant God of Israel and a violation of the very essence of Israelite kingship, which was to be under God's ultimate rule.
* **"therefore he slew him,"** This phrase establishes a direct causal link between Saul's spiritual rebellion and his physical demise. The Chronicler asserts God's direct agency in Saul's death, emphasizing that his death was a divinely orchestrated judgment, not simply a consequence of war. While Saul died by his own hand, the theological perspective presented is that his death was the ultimate, divinely appointed consequence of his persistent disobedience and rebellion against the Lord, demonstrating God's unwavering justice and holiness.
* **"and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse."** This final clause reveals the dual outcome of God's judgment on Saul: the removal of the disobedient king and the establishment of God's chosen successor. It highlights God's sovereign control over the transfer of power, underscoring that the Davidic dynasty was not merely a political development or the result of human maneuvering but a divinely appointed act, fulfilling God's promise to establish a king after His own heart and laying the foundation for the messianic line.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse to convey profound theological truths. **Causality** is prominently featured, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Saul's failure to inquire of the Lord and God's subsequent judgment, culminating in his death and the transfer of the kingdom. This direct link underscores the principle of divine retribution. **Conciseness** is also evident, as the verse distills complex historical events and theological principles into a powerful, summary statement, serving as the Chronicler's definitive theological explanation for Saul's end and David's rise. Furthermore, the verse employs **Divine Agency** by attributing Saul's death and the transfer of the kingdom directly to God ("he slew him, and turned the kingdom"), even though human actions (Saul's suicide, David's anointing) were involved. This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs, particularly in matters of kingship and covenant. The use of **Contrast** is also implicit, setting Saul's disobedience against the implied obedience and divine favor that would characterize David's reign, thereby legitimizing the new dynasty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 10:14 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of kingship under Yahweh, emphasizing that true leadership in Israel must be characterized by humble dependence on God. Saul's tragic end is presented not as a mere military defeat, but as a direct consequence of his spiritual rebellion and refusal to submit to divine authority. This narrative reinforces the principle that God holds rulers accountable for their obedience to His word and that He retains ultimate sovereignty over the rise and fall of kingdoms. The transfer of the kingdom to David is thus portrayed as a divine act of both judgment and faithfulness, paving the way for the establishment of the Davidic covenant and the lineage through which the Messiah would come.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft") - Samuel's rebuke to Saul: "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."
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Judges and Exalts") - "But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of 1 Chronicles 10:14 serves as a timeless warning and a profound invitation for believers today. Saul's downfall reminds us that spiritual independence and self-reliance, especially in positions of leadership or influence, are perilous paths that lead away from God's blessing and into judgment. Our lives, decisions, and aspirations must be continually submitted to the Lord, seeking His wisdom through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. In a world that often champions autonomy and self-sufficiency, this verse calls us to a radical dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty over every aspect of our existence. It encourages us to cultivate a habit of "enquiring of the LORD" in all things, trusting that His guidance, though sometimes challenging, always leads to life and alignment with His perfect will. Moreover, it reassures us that even amidst human failure and the consequences of sin, God's overarching purposes will prevail, and His faithfulness to His promises remains unwavering, offering hope that His divine plan will unfold despite our imperfections.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own wisdom or strength rather than "enquiring of the LORD"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent habit of seeking God's counsel daily through prayer and Scripture?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in Saul's demise and David's rise impact my trust in His control over my own circumstances and the world around me?**
* **What "forbidden sources" (e.g., worldly advice, self-help without spiritual grounding, ungodly influences, or even just my own unredeemed desires) might I be tempted to consult instead of God's Word and the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ

**What does "enquired not of the LORD" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "enquired not of the LORD" (Hebrew: *lo darash b'YHWH*) means that King Saul failed to diligently seek divine guidance and counsel through the legitimate and established means available to him as king of Israel. This included consulting prophets like Samuel, utilizing the priestly Urim and Thummim for divine revelation, or engaging in earnest prayer. Saul's consistent neglect of these spiritual disciplines demonstrated a profound lack of trust in God and a preference for his own judgment or even illicit spiritual practices, such as his consultation with the [medium of Endor](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7 - Saul and the Medium of Endor"), which was strictly forbidden by God's law ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")). It signifies a pattern of spiritual independence and disobedience that ultimately led to his downfall and God's rejection of his kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 10:14 recounts the tragic end of King Saul and the transfer of the earthly kingdom to David, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect King, Jesus Christ. Saul's failure to "enquire of the LORD" highlights the profound human need for a leader who is perfectly obedient and perfectly aligned with God's will. Unlike Saul, who sought his own way and consulted forbidden sources, Jesus consistently lived in perfect communion with the Father, always doing "those things that please him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). His life was one of complete submission and reliance on God, culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross, where He laid down His life according to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, just as God "turned the kingdom unto David," establishing a dynasty that would lead to the Messiah, He has established Jesus as the King of an eternal, spiritual kingdom, a kingdom that "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). Through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, the true and everlasting reign of God is inaugurated, inviting all who believe to be delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")), living under His perfect, righteous rule forevermore.

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

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

1 Samuel 13:14

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.

1 Samuel 28:17

And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, [even] to David:

2 Samuel 3:9

So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;

2 Samuel 3:10

To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.

1 Samuel 28:6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

1 Chronicles 12:23

¶ And these [are] the numbers of the bands [that were] ready armed to the war, [and] came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.