1 Chronicles 10:8

KJV

¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the morrow {H4283}, when the Philistines {H6430} came {H935} to strip {H6584} the slain {H2491}, that they found {H4672} Saul {H7586} and his sons {H1121} fallen {H5307} in mount {H2022} Gilboa {H1533}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The following day, when the P'lishtim came to strip the dead, they found Sha'ul and his sons lying dead on Mount Gilboa.

Berean Standard Bible

The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 10:8 provides a stark and somber account of the day following the catastrophic battle on Mount Gilboa, detailing the moment the victorious Philistines, in the process of plundering the battlefield, discovered the bodies of King Saul and his sons among the slain. This grim scene serves as the definitive textual marker for the end of Saul's tumultuous reign, powerfully underscoring the devastating consequences of his unfaithfulness to God and setting the stage for the divinely ordained transition of Israel's leadership to David, thereby affirming God's unwavering sovereignty even amidst national tragedy and defeat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and tragic climax of the battle of Mount Gilboa, as recounted in [1 Chronicles 10:1-7](/1_chronicles/10-1-7 "1 Chronicles 10:1-7 - The Defeat and Death of Saul"). The Chronicler’s narrative moves with deliberate speed from the Israelite rout and the deaths of Saul and his sons to the grim aftermath, emphasizing the completeness of the Philistine victory and the definitive end of Saul’s kingship. This succinct description of the Philistines’ discovery acts as a pivotal narrative transition, effectively closing the chapter on Saul’s reign and preparing the reader for the subsequent introduction of David’s ascendancy, which commences in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King"). While the parallel account in [1 Samuel 31:8-10](/1_samuel/31-8-10 "1 Samuel 31:8-10 - The Philistines Desecrate Saul's Body") offers more graphic details regarding the Philistines' desecration of Saul's body, the Chronicler's brevity here serves to quickly conclude the story of Saul, allowing the narrative to pivot to the more positive and central theme of the Davidic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The battle of Mount Gilboa was a watershed moment in ancient Israelite history, signifying a major defeat and a temporary reassertion of Philistine dominance over the region. Mount Gilboa, a prominent mountain ridge overlooking the Jezreel Valley, held significant strategic importance, making the Philistine victory there particularly impactful. The practice of "stripping the slain" was a brutal yet common aspect of ancient warfare. Victorious armies would systematically plunder the bodies of the defeated for valuable armor, weapons, clothing, and other personal effects. This act served not only as a means of acquiring spoils but also as a powerful display of triumph and a profound humiliation of the vanquished. In many cases, it involved mutilation or public display of the bodies, as evidenced by the parallel account where Saul's body was displayed on the wall of Beth-shan ([1 Samuel 31:10](/1_samuel/31-10 "1 Samuel 31:10 - Saul's Body on Beth-shan Wall")). The Philistines, a formidable seafaring people who had established a powerful presence along the Canaanite coast, were long-standing and formidable adversaries of Israel, and their decisive victory at Gilboa underscored their military might during this period.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the **consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness** to the Lord. The Chronicler explicitly attributes Saul's demise to his unfaithfulness, his failure to keep the Lord's word, and his consultation of a medium rather than seeking divine counsel ([1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Unfaithfulness and Death")). Secondly, the verse subtly yet profoundly emphasizes the **sovereignty of God** even in moments of national calamity; despite Israel's devastating loss, God’s ultimate plan for a righteous king is being advanced. The tragic end of Saul’s reign is not a random occurrence but a divinely orchestrated transition. Thirdly, it marks the **end of an era** and the momentous **transition of leadership** from Saul to David, the king chosen by God's own heart ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - A Man After God's Own Heart")). The grim image of the fallen king serves as a dramatic prelude to the rise of the Davidic dynasty, which becomes the central focus of the Chronicler's narrative from [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King") onward, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Morrow (Hebrew, _mochŏrâth'_):** This term (H4283) signifies "the next day" or "tomorrow." Its inclusion here emphasizes the immediate aftermath of the battle, highlighting the swiftness with which the Philistines acted to consolidate their victory and collect their spoils. It underscores the finality and immediacy of the consequences of the battle, leaving no time for Israel to recover or mourn before the full extent of their defeat was realized.
* **Strip (Hebrew, _pâshaṭ'_):** This verb (H6584) means "to spread out" (as in hostile array) or, by extension, "to strip off," "to plunder," or "to divest." In this context, it refers to the common ancient practice of removing armor, weapons, and valuables from the bodies of defeated enemies. This act was not merely about acquiring material spoils but also profoundly about humiliating the fallen and asserting the victor's absolute dominance. It speaks to the brutal realities of ancient warfare and the complete subjugation of the vanquished.
* **Fallen (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** While literally meaning "to fall" (H5307), in the context of battle, this verb serves as a euphemism for "to be killed" or "to die in battle." Its use here is stark and direct, unequivocally confirming the deaths of Saul and his sons. It conveys the grim reality of their demise without explicit description of the manner of death, focusing instead on the definitive outcome and the tragic end of their lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the morrow":** This introductory phrase precisely establishes the temporal setting, indicating that the events described unfolded the day after the decisive battle on Mount Gilboa concluded. It signifies the immediate and inevitable consequence and follow-up to the Philistine's overwhelming victory.
* **"when the Philistines came to strip the slain":** This clause reveals the specific, grim purpose of the Philistines' return to the battlefield: to plunder the bodies of the Israelite soldiers who had been killed. This action was a standard, albeit brutal, practice in ancient warfare, serving both as a practical means of acquiring valuable spoils and as a powerful symbolic act of victory and profound humiliation over the defeated.
* **"that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa":** This is the grim and pivotal discovery. The Philistines, in their systematic search for spoils, specifically locate the bodies of King Saul and his three sons (Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua), thereby confirming their deaths in the battle. The explicit mention of "Mount Gilboa" reiterates the precise geographical location of this tragic defeat, a place that would forever be etched into Israel's memory as the site of the end of Saul's reign and the beginning of a new era. The term "fallen" serves as a poignant euphemism for having died in battle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark and significant message. The direct, unadorned language, devoid of elaborate description, creates a profound sense of **Pathos**, evoking pity and sorrow for the fallen king and his sons, despite the Chronicler's theological judgment against Saul's unfaithfulness. The phrase "strip the slain" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "the slain" stands in for the lifeless bodies of the dead soldiers, emphasizing their utter vulnerability and the Philistines' predatory and disrespectful intent. The concise and impactful reporting of the discovery of Saul and his sons' bodies on Mount Gilboa serves as powerful **Symbolism** for the definitive end of an era and the complete collapse of Saul's kingdom and leadership. The scene is imbued with profound **Irony**, as the king chosen by God to lead Israel to victory over its enemies ultimately falls at their hands, his body left to be desecrated by them. This grim tableau also functions as a crucial **Foreshadowing** for the subsequent narrative, setting the stage for David's divinely appointed rise to kingship, which is presented as God's chosen and blessed path forward for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief and descriptive, carries immense theological weight within the Chronicler's overarching narrative. It serves as a stark testament to the dire consequences of unfaithfulness to God, explicitly linked by the Chronicler to Saul's demise in the verses immediately following ([1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Unfaithfulness and Death")). The Philistines' discovery of the fallen king and his sons underscores the complete and humiliating defeat of Israel's first king, powerfully highlighting that divine favor and protection are not guaranteed by position or anointing alone, but are contingent upon consistent obedience and humble reliance on God. Yet, even in this moment of national tragedy and apparent defeat, the verse implicitly points to God's overarching sovereignty. The ignominious end of Saul's reign, however painful, was a necessary prelude to the establishment of the Davidic covenant, a lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled and the future Messiah would come. Thus, this grim scene on Mount Gilboa, while a low point for Israel, is simultaneously a divinely orchestrated transition towards God's greater redemptive and covenantal plan.

* [1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Unfaithfulness and Death")
* [1 Samuel 31:8-10](/1_samuel/31-8-10 "1 Samuel 31:8-10 - Philistines Find and Desecrate Saul's Body")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grim scene on Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his sons are found among the slain, offers a powerful and sobering reflection for believers today. It serves as a poignant reminder that earthly power, prestige, and even divine anointing do not guarantee ongoing divine favor or protection apart from consistent faithfulness and humble obedience to God's Word. Saul's tragic end, as the Chronicler makes abundantly clear, was a direct consequence of his turning away from the Lord, his failure to seek God's counsel, and his reliance on forbidden practices. This narrative compels us to engage in honest self-examination: are we diligently seeking God's will, obeying His commands, and relying on His strength, or are we, like Saul, prone to self-reliance, disobedience, or seeking counsel from ungodly sources? The vulnerability of a king on the battlefield underscores the universal human condition—we are all utterly dependent on God's grace and sovereignty. Even in moments of apparent defeat, profound loss, or significant transition, like the one depicted, God remains on His throne, actively orchestrating events towards His ultimate redemptive purposes. This verse encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire or incomprehensible, and to prioritize a life of humble, consistent obedience, knowing that true security, lasting legacy, and ultimate victory are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What profound lessons can we draw from Saul's tragic end regarding the paramount importance of obedience and unwavering faithfulness to God in our own lives?**
* **How does this verse, depicting a moment of devastating defeat for Israel, still powerfully point to God's unwavering sovereignty and His unfolding, redemptive plan?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to rely on my own strength, wisdom, or seek counsel apart from God, mirroring Saul's fatal errors?**
* **How does understanding the divinely orchestrated transition from Saul to David, even through such a grim event, encourage and strengthen my faith during times of significant change or uncertainty in my own life or community?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Chronicler include this grim detail about Saul's death when the primary focus is on David?**

Answer: The Chronicler includes this detail not merely as a historical record but for profound theological reasons. It serves as a definitive and unequivocal closure to Saul's reign, emphasizing its tragic and divinely-ordained end due to his unfaithfulness and disobedience ([1 Chronicles 10:13-14](/1_chronicles/10-13-14 "1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - Saul's Unfaithfulness and Death")). By swiftly moving from Saul's death to David's anointing in the very next chapter ([1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King")), the Chronicler powerfully highlights the seamless and divinely orchestrated transition of kingship. This grim scene underscores the absolute necessity of a new, righteous king—David—to lead Israel according to God's will, thereby setting the stage for the establishment of the enduring Davidic dynasty, which is central to the Chronicler's theological agenda concerning God's covenant promises and the future Messiah.

**What is the significance of the Philistines "stripping the slain"?**

Answer: The act of "stripping the slain" was a common and brutal practice in ancient warfare, serving multiple, interconnected purposes. Primarily, it was a practical means for the victorious army to collect valuable spoils of war, including armor, weapons, and personal effects, which were often highly prized and represented significant wealth. Beyond material gain, it was also a powerful symbolic act of profound humiliation, desecration, and complete subjugation of the defeated enemy. By stripping the bodies, especially those of a king and his sons, the Philistines asserted their absolute dominance and dishonored their adversaries in the most public and grievous way. In the parallel account in Samuel, it is further detailed that they even cut off Saul's head and displayed his body, along with his sons', on the wall of Beth-shan ([1 Samuel 31:9-10](/1_samuel/31-9-10 "1 Samuel 31:9-10 - Philistines Desecrate Saul's Body")). This act underscores the depth of Israel's defeat and the Philistines' temporary ascendancy and triumph.

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative and theological purpose of 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: This verse is absolutely pivotal as it marks the definitive and divinely sanctioned end of the Saulide era and prepares the way for the Davidic dynasty, which is the Chronicler's primary theological and historical focus. The entire book of 1 Chronicles, particularly from [chapter 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King") onward, is meticulously dedicated to the glorious reign of David, the establishment of the temple, and the tracing of the lineage and covenant promises associated with David. Saul's fall, therefore, is not merely a historical event but a necessary theological precursor. It highlights God's justice in removing an unfaithful king and His unwavering faithfulness in raising up a new, chosen leader through whom His eternal purposes for Israel and the future Messiah would be realized. The brevity and starkness of the account of Saul's death in Chronicles, especially when compared to the more detailed narrative in Samuel, further emphasize the Chronicler's eagerness to move on to the more positive, divinely blessed, and enduring reign of David, the true king after God's own heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic scene of Saul's demise on Mount Gilboa, while marking the ignominious end of a failed kingship, powerfully foreshadows the profound need for a perfect, faithful, and eternal King—Jesus Christ. Saul's unfaithfulness, his reliance on self rather than God, and his ultimate defeat underscore the inherent limitations and inevitable failures of all human leadership, even those initially divinely appointed. His inability to secure lasting victory or establish a truly righteous and enduring kingdom points to the deep spiritual need for a King who would not "fall" due to sin, disobedience, or human weakness, but who would definitively conquer sin and death itself. Jesus, the true Son of David, does not meet a tragic end on a battlefield of human warfare, but willingly goes to the cross, where He defeats the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Unlike Saul, whose body was desecrated by his enemies, Jesus' body was raised incorruptible, demonstrating His ultimate victory and eternal reign over all creation ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")). The divinely orchestrated transition from Saul to David in 1 Chronicles anticipates the far greater and more glorious transition from the old covenant, marked by human failure and temporary kings, to the new covenant, established by Christ's perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection. Jesus is the King who perfectly fulfills God's will, establishes an eternal kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")), and brings true and lasting victory, not through military might, but through redemptive love, offering eternal life and reconciliation to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose suffering leads not to ignominious death but to glorious resurrection and everlasting reign, providing the ultimate and perfect leadership for God's people.

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

2 Kings 3:23

And they said, This [is] blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.

1 Samuel 31:8

¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa.

2 Chronicles 20:25

And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.