1 Samuel 31:3

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.

And the battle {H4421} went sore {H3513} against Saul {H7586}, and the archers {H3384}{H582}{H7198} hit {H4672} him; and he was sore {H3966} wounded {H2342} of the archers {H3384}{H582}{H7198}.

The fighting went hard against Sha'ul; then the archers overtook and wounded him, so that he was in agony.

When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 31:3

This verse describes the tragic climax of King Saul's final battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. The preceding verses establish that the battle was already going severely against Israel, with many of their forces slain. Saul's sons, including his valiant son Jonathan, had already fallen in the fierce fighting (1 Samuel 31:2). This particular verse focuses on Saul himself, detailing the direct assault that ultimately leads to his demise. It marks the culmination of a reign often characterized by disobedience and a departure from God's full favor, contrasting sharply with his initial anointing as Israel's first king (1 Samuel 10:1).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The King's Vulnerability: Despite his position and military prowess, Saul is shown to be susceptible to the harsh realities of warfare. The "archers hit him" underscores that even a king is not immune to injury and death, especially when divine protection is withdrawn.
  • The Severity of Defeat: The phrase "the battle went sore against Saul" and "he was sore wounded" emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the Philistine victory and the devastating impact on Israel's leadership. This was not a minor skirmish but a decisive and fatal encounter.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While this verse itself does not explicitly state it, the broader narrative of 1 Samuel consistently links Saul's downfall to his repeated acts of disobedience to God's commands (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:23). His desperate situation on Mount Gilboa is presented as the culmination of a tragic trajectory, paving the way for the establishment of the Davidic dynasty (1 Samuel 16:13).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sore wounded" translates the Hebrew word chalal (Χ—ΦΈΧœΦ·Χœ), which means to pierce, bore through, or wound mortally. It conveys a deep, painful, and likely fatal injury. The repetition of "archers hit him" and "he was sore wounded of the archers" highlights the specific method of his injury, emphasizing that he was struck multiple times or very severely by arrows, leaving him in a critical state.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 31:3 serves as a stark reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Gravity of Choices: Saul's final moments underscore the long-term consequences of one's decisions, particularly those that involve disobedience to God's will. It prompts reflection on the importance of seeking and following divine guidance in all aspects of life.
  • Human Vulnerability: Even powerful leaders face physical limitations and the inevitability of death. This verse strips away any illusion of invincibility, pointing to the common human experience of suffering and mortality.
  • God's Sovereign Plan: Despite the tragedy of Saul's end, this event is part of God's larger, unfolding plan to establish a king after His own heart. It demonstrates that even through human failure and the chaos of battle, God's purposes ultimately prevail, leading to the anointing of David as the new king of Israel (2 Samuel 2:4).
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 1:6 (3 votes)

    And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.

  • Amos 2:14 (2 votes)

    Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

  • 1 Kings 22:34 (2 votes)

    And a [certain] man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

  • Genesis 49:23 (2 votes)

    The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him:

  • 2 Samuel 1:4 (2 votes)

    And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.