1 Chronicles 10:4

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 10:4 details the tragic final moments of King Saul, Israel's first monarch. After being severely wounded in battle against the Philistines, Saul faces a desperate choice, revealing his intense fear of capture and humiliation by his enemies.

Context

This verse is part of the tenth chapter of 1 Chronicles, which provides a concise summary of the death of King Saul and his three sons during the decisive Battle of Mount Gilboa. This account largely parallels the narrative found in 1 Samuel 31:4. The chronicler emphasizes Saul's demise as a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness to God, setting the stage for the rise of David and the establishment of his kingdom, which is the primary focus of the book of Chronicles.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Desperation and Humiliation: Saul's plea to his armourbearer, "Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me," vividly portrays his intense fear of capture, torture, and mockery by the Philistines. The term "uncircumcised" highlights the deep religious and cultural contempt between the Israelites and their enemies.
  • The End of a Reign: This verse marks the abrupt and tragic end of King Saul's reign, a rule characterized by early promise but ultimately marred by disobedience and a lack of trust in God. His death paves the way for a new era under King David, a transition central to the historical narrative of Israel.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While the verse focuses on Saul's immediate actions, the broader context of 1 Chronicles 10 (especially verses 13-14) attributes his downfall to his unfaithfulness to the Lord and his failure to keep God's commands. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of rejecting divine counsel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me" carries significant weight. "Uncircumcised" (Hebrew: arelim) was a derogatory term used by Israelites for Gentiles, particularly the Philistines, emphasizing their perceived impurity and separation from God's covenant people. The word "abuse" (Hebrew: ‘alal) suggests not just physical harm, but also humiliation, torture, and mockery, indicating the depth of Saul's dread.

Practical Application

The account of Saul's death serves as a solemn warning against the dangers of pride, disobedience, and reliance on human strength rather than divine guidance. Saul's tragic end underscores that true security and lasting success come from a faithful walk with God, rather than from human power or reputation. It reminds us that even in despair, turning to God is the ultimate hope, rather than succumbing to fear or self-destruction. His story contrasts sharply with the path of humility and repentance that God desires from His people, a path exemplified by David, who was described as a man after God's own heart.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 31:4 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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?