1 Samuel 31:13

KJV

And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3947} their bones {H6106}, and buried {H6912} them under a tree {H815} at Jabesh {H3003}, and fasted {H6684} seven {H7651} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they took their bones, buried them under the tamarisk tree in Yavesh and fasted seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.

American Standard Version

And they took their bones, and buried them under the tamarisk-tree in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 31:13 concludes the tragic narrative of King Saul's demise, chronicling the courageous and loyal act of the men of Jabesh-Gilead. These valiant individuals undertook a perilous night mission to retrieve the desecrated bodies of Saul and his sons from the Philistines, ensuring they received a proper burial under a tree in Jabesh. This act of profound gratitude and respect was followed by a seven-day fast, a customary and deeply significant period of mourning, bringing a measure of dignity to the end of Israel's first king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the poignant resolution to the immediate aftermath of Israel's devastating defeat by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, detailed in [1 Samuel 31:1-6](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1-6 - The Battle on Mount Gilboa"). Following Saul's suicide and the deaths of his three sons, including the beloved Jonathan, the Philistines engaged in a gruesome act of desecration, displaying their bodies and Saul's head on the wall of Beth-shan ([1 Samuel 31:9-10](/1_samuel/31-9 "1 Samuel 31:9-10 - Philistine Desecration of Saul's Body")). The account of the men of Jabesh-Gilead's intervention immediately follows this, highlighting their exceptional bravery and devotion. Their actions stand in stark contrast to the general despair and flight of the Israelites, serving as a final, noble act of loyalty to the fallen king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, a proper burial was not merely a custom but a profound religious and cultural imperative. To leave a body unburied or desecrated was considered a grave dishonor and a curse, preventing the deceased from resting with their ancestors. The Philistines' public display of Saul's body was intended as a supreme act of humiliation and a declaration of their dominance. The men of Jabesh-Gilead's daring retrieval of the bodies, undertaken at night to avoid detection by Philistine garrisons, was a testament to their deep understanding of this cultural value and their willingness to risk their lives to restore dignity to their former deliverer. Their act of fasting for seven days was a common and significant period of deep mourning, reflecting profound sorrow and respect, echoing similar practices seen in the mourning for Jacob ([Genesis 50:10](/genesis/50-10 "Genesis 50:10 - Mourning for Jacob")).
* **Key Themes:** The events of [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul") and specifically verse 13 underscore several critical themes. **Loyalty and Gratitude** are paramount, as the men of Jabesh-Gilead's actions are a direct repayment for Saul's heroic rescue of their city from the Ammonites early in his reign ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Delivers Jabesh-Gilead")). This demonstrates an enduring covenant of gratitude that transcended Saul's later failures and tragic end. **Dignity in Death** is another central theme, as the proper burial restored a measure of honor to Saul and his sons, preventing their ultimate humiliation. This act underscores the Israelite belief in the sanctity of the human body, even in death. Finally, **Courage and Selflessness** are vividly displayed by the men who risked their lives to perform this act of mercy, highlighting the profound impact of Saul's earlier deliverance and the deep bond it forged.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bones (Hebrew, _'atzamot'_):** While literally meaning "bones," in this context, the term refers to the entire physical remains or bodies of the deceased. Given the Philistine desecration and likely exposure, the bodies would have been in a state of decay or dismemberment. The use of "bones" emphasizes the raw, physical remnants, highlighting the dire state in which the men of Jabesh-Gilead found them and the profound act of reverence involved in gathering what was left for burial.
* **Fasted (Hebrew, _tzamu'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate abstinence from food (and often drink) as a religious or spiritual practice, typically associated with mourning, repentance, or intense prayer. The act of fasting for seven days was a profound and customary expression of deep grief and sorrow in ancient Israel, indicating a period of intense mourning for the fallen king and his sons, acknowledging the national tragedy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took their bones":** This clause describes the immediate, courageous action of the men of Jabesh-Gilead. Having traveled through the night to Beth-shan, they retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the city wall. The term "bones" here likely refers to their physical remains, which may have been dismembered or partially decomposed due to exposure and Philistine mutilation. This act was one of immense risk and profound respect, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty even in the face of danger.
* **"and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh":** This details the location and manner of burial. The men brought the bodies back to Jabesh-Gilead, their home city, and interred them under a prominent tree. The specific mention of "a tree" might suggest a known landmark or a place of significance, providing a simple yet dignified resting place away from the desecration of the Philistines. This act completed their mission of restoring honor to the fallen.
* **"and fasted seven days":** This final clause describes the communal act of mourning. The seven-day fast was a culturally significant period of intense grief and sorrow. It was a public and collective expression of lament for the death of their king and his sons, acknowledging the immense loss and national tragedy that had befallen Israel. This period of fasting underscored the depth of their respect and sorrow, mirroring other significant mourning periods in biblical tradition.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The act of burying Saul and his sons "under a tree" at Jabesh-Gilead is highly symbolic. The tree, often a symbol of life and stability, here becomes a resting place for the dead king, representing a poignant end to his tumultuous reign and the grounding of his memory in the place he once saved. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** in Saul's final resting place being secured by the very people he delivered at the beginning of his reign, rather than by his own family or the broader Israelite nation who had largely abandoned him. This highlights the enduring power of gratitude and loyalty in contrast to the fickle nature of popular support. The entire scene serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the transition of power, as Saul's tragic end paves the way for David's ultimate rise to kingship, a new era for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 31:13 powerfully illustrates the enduring themes of loyalty, gratitude, and the sanctity of human dignity, even in death. Despite Saul's tragic failures and God's rejection of his kingship, the men of Jabesh-Gilead's actions underscore the importance of honoring past kindnesses and the human need for respectful closure. Their courageous act stands as a testament to faithfulness that transcends political allegiance or personal shortcomings, reminding us that even in moments of national despair and divine judgment, acts of profound human compassion can shine through. This narrative also implicitly points to the consequences of disobedience, as Saul's life ends in defeat and disgrace, a stark contrast to the blessings promised for obedience.

* [2 Samuel 2:4-7](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4-7 - David Blesses the Men of Jabesh-Gilead")
* [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - The Importance of Burial")
* [Psalm 79:2-3](/psalm/79-2 "Psalm 79:2-3 - The Shame of Unburied Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound loyalty and courage displayed by the men of Jabesh-Gilead in 1 Samuel 31:13 offer timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Their willingness to risk everything to honor a fallen king, who had once delivered them, speaks volumes about the enduring power of gratitude and the importance of remembering past kindnesses. In a world often characterized by fleeting allegiances and self-interest, this narrative challenges us to consider our own commitments—to God, to family, to community, and to those who have blessed us. It reminds us that true loyalty is not contingent on success or popularity, but on a deeper, abiding sense of honor and obligation. Furthermore, the emphasis on dignity in death, even for a disgraced king, underscores the inherent value of every human life, created in the image of God. We are called to extend compassion and respect, even to those who have fallen short, and to ensure that the memory of others is treated with reverence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the loyalty of the men of Jabesh-Gilead teach us about the nature of true gratitude and commitment?**
* **How does the cultural importance of burial in this passage inform our understanding of human dignity and respect for the deceased today?**
* **In what ways can we, like the men of Jabesh-Gilead, demonstrate courage and selflessness in honoring others, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the men of Jabesh-Gilead to retrieve Saul's body?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, proper burial was a profound religious and social imperative. To leave a body unburied or desecrated was considered a grave dishonor, a curse, and a denial of rest with one's ancestors. The Philistines' public display of Saul's body on the wall of Beth-shan ([1 Samuel 31:9-10](/1_samuel/31-9 "1 Samuel 31:9-10 - Philistine Desecration")) was intended as the ultimate act of humiliation. The men of Jabesh-Gilead, remembering Saul's heroic rescue of their city from the Ammonites early in his reign ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Delivers Jabesh-Gilead")), felt a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty. Their retrieval of the bodies was an act of profound respect, restoring dignity to their fallen deliverer and preventing his ultimate disgrace.

**What is the significance of the "seven days" of fasting?**

Answer: The "seven days" of fasting was a customary and deeply significant period of mourning in ancient Israel and the broader Near East. This duration indicated a profound and intense period of grief, sorrow, and lament. It was a public and collective expression of mourning for the deceased, acknowledging the immense loss and national tragedy that had befallen Israel with the death of King Saul and his sons. This practice is seen in other biblical contexts, such as the mourning for Jacob ([Genesis 50:10](/genesis/50-10 "Genesis 50:10 - Mourning for Jacob")), underscoring its cultural and spiritual importance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic end of King Saul, marked by defeat and desecration, stands in stark contrast to the glorious death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, yet it also subtly points to the ultimate King. Saul's failure as Israel's first king, culminating in his desperate suicide and the public dishonor of his body, highlights the limitations and brokenness of human leadership. In contrast, Jesus, the perfect King, willingly laid down His life, not in defeat, but as a triumphant sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). While Saul's body faced desecration, Jesus' body, though crucified, was honorably laid in a tomb ([Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Jesus' Burial")), foreshadowing His ultimate victory over death. The loyalty shown by the men of Jabesh-Gilead, who risked their lives to honor their fallen king, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the unwavering devotion of Christ's followers, who are called to live and die for the one true King who conquered death itself ([Philippians 1:21](/philippians/1-21 "Philippians 1:21 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain")). Saul's burial under a tree marks the end of a flawed reign, but Christ's death on a tree (the cross) ushered in an eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace, providing true dignity and eternal life to all who believe ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Christ Nailed Our Sins to the Cross")).

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

Genesis 50:10

And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which [is] beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.

2 Samuel 21:12

And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabeshgilead, which had stolen them from the street of Bethshan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:

2 Samuel 21:14

And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

1 Samuel 22:6

¶ When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that [were] with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants [were] standing about him;)

Genesis 35:8

But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

2 Samuel 1:12

And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

2 Samuel 2:4

And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, [That] the men of Jabeshgilead [were they] that buried Saul.