1 Chronicles 10:6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.

So Saul {H7586} died {H4191}, and his three {H7969} sons {H1121}, and all his house {H1004} died {H4191} together {H3162}.

Thus Sha'ul, his three sons and all his household died together.

So Saul died together with his three sons and all his house.

So Saul died, and his three sons; and all his house died together.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 10:6 records the tragic and decisive end of King Saul's reign and his immediate family. This verse serves as a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the transition from Saul's kingdom to the establishment of David's dynasty.

Context

This verse concludes the account of the battle on Mount Gilboa, where the Philistines decisively defeated Israel. The Chronicler, writing much later, summarizes the devastating outcome of the battle, emphasizing the complete destruction of Saul's direct lineage. This account parallels the narrative found in 1 Samuel 31:6, but 1 Chronicles often highlights the theological reasons behind events, particularly divine judgment and the establishment of God's chosen king, David.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: Saul's death, along with his sons, is presented not merely as a battlefield casualty but as a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness and disobedience to the Lord. The book of 1 Chronicles explicitly states this in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, attributing his demise to his failure to keep God's word and his consulting of a medium instead of seeking the Lord.
  • End of an Era: This verse signifies the definitive end of Saul's monarchy, paving the way for the rise of David, God's chosen king. It underscores God's sovereign control over the succession of kings and the fulfillment of His promises.
  • Divine Judgment: The complete destruction of Saul's house serves as a stark reminder of God's judgment against rebellion and apostasy, even for those in positions of power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "died together" emphasizes the totality and simultaneity of their demise. It highlights that not only Saul but his sons and the immediate members of his household perished in the same catastrophic event, signifying the complete eradication of his direct line from the throne.

Reflection and Application

The account of Saul's downfall in 1 Chronicles 10:6 offers timeless lessons on the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It reminds us that:

  • Faithfulness Matters: Our choices have significant consequences, not only for ourselves but potentially for those connected to us. Saul's consistent rebellion ultimately led to the downfall of his entire house.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even amidst tragedy and human failure, God's overarching plan for His people prevails. The end of Saul's reign was necessary for the establishment of the Davidic covenant, a lineage through which the Messiah would come (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
  • Seeking God: The chronicler's emphasis on Saul's failure to seek the Lord (1 Chronicles 10:14) serves as a powerful admonition for believers today to consistently turn to God in all circumstances.

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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 4:10

    ¶ And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

  • 1 Samuel 4:11

    And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:1

    ¶ For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, [are] in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [by] all [that is] before them.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:2

    All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.

  • Hosea 13:10

    I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

  • Hosea 13:11

    I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.

  • 1 Samuel 4:18

    And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
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