1 Chronicles 10:4

KJV

Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Saul {H7586} to his armourbearer {H5375}{H3627}, Draw {H8025} thy sword {H2719}, and thrust {H1856} me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised {H6189} come {H935} and abuse {H5953} me. But his armourbearer {H5375}{H3627} would {H14} not; for he was sore {H3966} afraid {H3372}. So Saul {H7586} took {H3947} a sword {H2719}, and fell {H5307} upon it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through with it. Otherwise, these uncircumcised men will come and make sport of me." But his armor-bearer refused; he was too frightened. So Sha'ul took his sword and fell on it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.

American Standard Version

Then said Saul unto his armor-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armor-bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took his sword, and fell upon it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 10:4 vividly records the tragic and desperate final moments of King Saul, Israel's first monarch, at the decisive Battle of Mount Gilboa. Severely wounded and facing imminent capture by the Philistines, Saul, consumed by fear of profound humiliation and torture at the hands of his "uncircumcised" enemies, pleads with his armourbearer to kill him. When the armourbearer refuses out of fear and reverence, Saul takes his own sword and falls upon it, choosing a self-inflicted death over the anticipated disgrace, thereby marking the abrupt and ignominious end of his reign and the close of an era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within 1 Chronicles 10, which serves as a succinct yet pivotal account of King Saul's demise and the death of his three sons at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. The Chronicler's narrative, while echoing the more detailed account in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul"), is deliberately condensed. Its primary function is not merely to recount history but to establish a theological foundation for the subsequent narrative. By swiftly concluding Saul's reign, the Chronicler emphasizes the direct consequences of his unfaithfulness to God, thereby clearing the stage for the rise of King David and the establishment of the divinely ordained Davidic kingdom, which becomes the central focus of the remainder of the book. This chapter acts as a crucial transitional bridge, closing the chapter on a failed monarchy to usher in a new, more faithful era under God's chosen king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Battle of Mount Gilboa represented a catastrophic defeat for Israel against the Philistines, a formidable military power known for their superior iron weaponry and organized forces. The Philistines frequently subjected their defeated enemies, especially prominent figures, to extreme forms of public humiliation, mutilation, and desecration of their bodies, as evidenced by their later treatment of Saul's corpse in [1 Samuel 31:9-10](/1_samuel/31-9-10 "1 Samuel 31:9-10 - Philistine Desecration of Saul's Body"). Saul's desperate plea to avoid being "abused" by the "uncircumcised" reflects a deep-seated and culturally informed dread of this specific practice of torture and public disgrace. For a king, such an indignity would have been the ultimate shame, stripping him of all honor even in death. Suicide, though generally viewed negatively in Israelite culture, was in this extreme context a desperate act undertaken to preserve some semblance of personal and royal honor and to escape a fate deemed far worse than death itself.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Saul's death in [1 Chronicles 10](/1_chronicles/10 "1 Chronicles 10 - The Death of Saul") powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the Chronicler's work. Foremost among these is the **Consequences of Disobedience**, explicitly articulated by the Chronicler in [1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Unfaithfulness and Demise"), which attributes Saul's downfall directly to his unfaithfulness to the Lord and his failure to obey God's commands. This serves as a potent reminder that even divinely appointed leaders are held accountable to God's standards. Another significant theme is **Divine Sovereignty and the Transition of Power**, illustrating how God orchestrates the end of Saul's flawed reign to pave the way for David, the "man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart")), thereby establishing a new, more enduring dynasty. Finally, the verse highlights the profound contrast between **Fear and Faith**, as Saul's overwhelming fear of human humiliation dictates his ultimate actions, rather than a trusting reliance on God's protection or mercy, revealing a spiritual state far removed from the ideal for Israel's king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thrust (Hebrew, _dâqar'_):** From H1856, a primitive root meaning "to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile; pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound." In this context, it refers to a decisive, fatal piercing by a sword. Saul's command to his armourbearer is for a swift, immediate death, directly contrasting with the prolonged suffering and public humiliation he anticipated from the Philistines.
* **Uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** From H6189, meaning "properly, exposed, i.e. projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically,; uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed)." This term was a highly derogatory epithet used by Israelites for Gentiles, particularly the Philistines. It underscored not only their ethnic and cultural difference but, more significantly, their lack of the covenant sign of circumcision, marking them as outside God's covenant and therefore perceived as impure and godless. Saul's use of this term highlights his profound contempt and fear of being defiled by those outside the covenant.
* **Would not (Hebrew, _ʼâbâh'_):** From H14, a primitive root meaning "to breathe after, i.e. (figuratively) to be acquiescent; consent, rest content will, be willing." The negative formulation ("would not") indicates the armourbearer's firm refusal or unwillingness to comply with Saul's command. This refusal stems from deep-seated fear and possibly reverence for the anointed king, making the act of regicide unthinkable for him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith":** Gravely wounded and facing certain defeat and capture, King Saul issues a desperate command to his closest attendant. This plea reveals his profound fear of what the Philistines would inflict upon him if he were taken alive, preferring a swift, controlled death by an Israelite hand to the anticipated prolonged suffering and indignity.
* **"lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me":** This clause explicitly states Saul's primary motivation for seeking death. His fear is not merely of dying, but specifically of the humiliating and desecrating "abuse" that the pagan Philistines, whom he disdainfully calls "uncircumcised," would inflict upon his royal person. This reveals his concern for his honor and dignity, even in his final, desperate moments.
* **"But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid":** The armourbearer's refusal underscores the immense gravity of the command and his own overwhelming fear. This fear likely encompassed a reverence for the Lord's anointed king (making regicide an unthinkable act), a personal terror in the face of the Philistine victory, or a combination of both. His profound fear overrides his duty to obey his king, leaving Saul without recourse.
* **"So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it":** With his armourbearer unwilling to comply and no other escape from the Philistines, Saul commits suicide. This act marks the tragic, self-inflicted end of Israel's first king, a desperate attempt to maintain some control over his final moments and avoid the ultimate humiliation at the hands of his enemies.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Saul's death in 1 Chronicles 10:4 employs several powerful literary devices that deepen its theological and emotional impact. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as Saul, chosen by God to deliver Israel from its enemies, ultimately dies by his own hand to escape those very enemies, highlighting the tragic failure and self-destruction that marked his reign. The scene is imbued with **Pathos**, evoking deep pity for the king's desperate, isolated, and ignominious end, a stark contrast to his initial anointing and early victories. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Saul's overwhelming fear of humiliation and the armourbearer's own profound fear that prevents him from obeying. Furthermore, the stark cultural and religious divide is emphasized by Saul's reference to "the uncircumcised" Philistines versus the covenant people of Israel. The entire chapter, culminating in Saul's death, functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as his ignominious end sets the stage for the glorious and divinely blessed reign of David, the king who would embody a different, more faithful relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of King Saul, as depicted in 1 Chronicles 10:4, serves as a profound theological statement on the devastating consequences of disobedience and the unwavering sovereignty of God in the transfer of power. Saul's desperate act, driven by fear of man and a desire to preserve his own dignity, stands in stark contrast to the humility, trust, and obedience that should characterize a leader of God's people. The Chronicler's immediate follow-up in [1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - The Chronicler's Verdict on Saul") explicitly links Saul's demise to his unfaithfulness, demonstrating that even a divinely appointed king is not immune to divine judgment when he turns from the Lord and seeks guidance outside of Him. This tragic end paves the way for David, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ability to raise up a new leader who would better reflect His heart, despite his own human failings, ultimately pointing to God's overarching plan for His kingdom.

* [1 Samuel 31:4](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4 - Parallel Account of Saul's Suicide")
* [1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Disobedience and Death")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Saul's death in 1 Chronicles 10:4 is a solemn and enduring warning against the insidious dangers of pride, disobedience, and prioritizing human reputation or fear over faithful reliance on God. Saul's intense fear of the "uncircumcised" and his desperate act to avoid humiliation reveal a heart that ultimately trusted in self and human opinion more than in divine protection and provision. His tragic end underscores that true security, lasting success, and genuine honor are found not in human strength, a carefully guarded reputation, or desperate self-preservation, but in a humble and obedient walk with God. Even in moments of extreme despair, perceived hopelessness, or overwhelming external pressure, the narrative implicitly calls us to turn to God for deliverance and guidance, rather than succumbing to fear, self-destructive measures, or the opinions of others. Saul's story challenges us to deeply examine where our ultimate trust lies and whether we allow the fear of man or the pursuit of our own dignity to overshadow our unwavering commitment to God's will and His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Saul's intense fear of the "uncircumcised" and his choice to die by his own hand reveal about his spiritual state and his understanding of God's covenant and protection?**
* **How does Saul's self-inflicted death serve as a powerful biblical warning about the ultimate consequences of disobedience, pride, and a fundamental lack of trust in God?**
* **In what specific ways might we, like Saul, be tempted to prioritize human opinion or avoid perceived humiliation over faithful obedience and a humble reliance on God in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul's armourbearer refuse to kill him?**

Answer: The text explicitly states that the armourbearer "would not; for he was sore afraid." This profound fear likely stemmed from a combination of factors: a deep reverence for the anointed king, making regicide an unthinkable act; personal terror in the face of the overwhelming Philistine victory and the chaos of battle; or a fear of the divine and human consequences of striking down the Lord's anointed. His fear was so profound that it overrode a direct command from his king, leaving Saul to his own desperate devices.

**Is Saul's death considered suicide in the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, according to the primary historical accounts in both [1 Samuel 31:4](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4 - Parallel Account of Saul's Death") and 1 Chronicles 10:4, Saul's death is clearly described as self-inflicted ("fell upon it"). While a later, self-serving account by an Amalekite in [2 Samuel 1:6-10](/2_samuel/1-6-10 "2 Samuel 1:6-10 - The Amalekite's False Claim") claims he killed Saul at Saul's request, this is widely understood by scholars as a fabrication by the Amalekite to gain favor with David. The consistent biblical narrative from the historical books unequivocally portrays Saul's death as a desperate act of suicide to avoid capture, torture, and public humiliation by the Philistines.

**What does "uncircumcised" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this specific context, "uncircumcised" is a highly derogatory and contemptuous term used by Israelites for Gentiles, particularly the Philistines. It refers to their lack of the covenant sign of circumcision, which marked Israel as God's chosen people and signified their unique relationship with Yahweh. Therefore, the term highlights not only a cultural and ethnic distinction but, more importantly, a profound religious and theological divide. It portrays the Philistines as impure, pagan, and outside the covenant relationship with the one true God. Saul's fear of them was amplified by this perception of their godlessness and barbarity, believing they would show no mercy or respect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's tragic end, marked by fear, disobedience, and self-destruction, stands in stark and profound contrast to the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Saul, the first king of Israel, failed to trust God fully and sought to preserve his own dignity through a desperate act of suicide, ultimately falling due to his unfaithfulness and failure to obey the Lord ([1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Unfaithfulness and Death")). Jesus, the true and eternal King, perfectly obeyed His Father's will, even to the point of embracing the ultimate humiliation, suffering, and death on a cross, a death he willingly accepted for the sake of others ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). While Saul feared the "uncircumcised" and desperately sought to avoid their abuse, Jesus willingly bore the abuse, scorn, and violence of both Jew and Gentile, dying for the sins of the entire world. Through His blood, He broke down the dividing wall of hostility between peoples, making peace and reconciling all to God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). Saul's reign ended in despair and ignominy; Christ's reign is eternal, bringing hope, salvation, and true dignity to all who believe, demonstrating that true kingship is found not in self-preservation or human strength, but in selfless love, perfect obedience, and the ultimate sacrifice for others ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Kingship")).

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 31:4

Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

1 Samuel 17:36

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

2 Samuel 1:9

He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life [is] yet whole in me.

2 Samuel 1:10

So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that [was] upon his head, and the bracelet that [was] on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

1 Samuel 14:6

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Acts 1:18

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Judges 15:18

¶ And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?