TRV
Translation
King James Version
And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
Complete Jewish Bible
When his armor-bearer saw that Sha'ul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.
Berean Standard Bible
When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.
American Standard Version
And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell upon his sword, and died with him.
World English Bible Messianic
When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword, and died with him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when his armour bearer sawe that Saul was dead, he fell likewise vpon his sword, and dyed with him.
Young's Literal Translation
And the bearer of his weapons seeth that Saul is dead, and he falleth--he also--on his sword, and dieth with him;
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 31 verses 1–7
1 ¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.
3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
4 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.
5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
7 And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.
The day of recompence has now come, in which Saul must account for the blood of the Amalekites which he had sinfully spared, and that of the priests which he had more sinfully spilt; that of David too, which he would have spilt, must come into the account. Now his day has come to fall, as David foresaw, when he should descend into battle and perish, Sa1 26:10. Come and see the righteous judgments of God.
I. He sees his soldiers fall about him, Sa1 31:1. Whether the Philistines were more numerous, better posted, and better led on, or what other advantages they had, we are not told; but it seems they were more vigorous, for they made the onset; they fought against Israel, and the Israelites fled and fell. The best of the troops were put into disorder, and multitudes slain, probably those whom Saul had employed in pursuing David. Thus those who had followed him and served him in his sin went before him in his fall and shared with him in his plagues.
II. He sees his sons fall before him. The victorious Philistines pressed most forcibly upon the king of Israel and those about him. His three sons were next him, it is probable, and they were all three slain before his face, to his great grief (for they were the hopes of his family) and to his great terror, for they were now the guard of his person, and he could conclude no other than that his own turn would come next. His sons are named (Sa1 31:2), and it grieves us to find Jonathan among them: that wise, valiant, good man, who was as much David's friend as Saul was his enemy, yet falls with the rest. Duty to his father would not permit him to stay at home, or to retire when the armies engaged; and Providence so orders it that he falls in the common fate of his family, though he never involved himself in the guilt of it; so that the observation of Eliphaz does not hold (Job 4:7), Who ever perished being innocent? For here was one. What shall we say to it? 1. God would hereby complete the vexation of Saul in his dying moments, and the judgment that was to be executed upon his house. If the family must fall, Jonathan, that is one of it, must fall with it. 2. He would hereby make David's way to the crown the more clear and open. For, though Jonathan himself would have cheerfully resigned all his title and interest to him (we have no reason to suspect any other), yet it is very probable that many of the people would have made use of his name for the support of the house of Saul, or at least would have come in but slowly to David. If Ishbosheth (who was now left at home as one unfit for action, and so escaped) had so many friends, what would Jonathan have had, who had been the darling of the people and had never forfeited their favour? Those that were so anxious to have a king like the nations would be zealous for the right line, especially if that threw the crown upon such a head as Jonathan's. This would have embarrassed David; and, if Jonathan could have prevailed to bring in all his interest to David, then it would have been said that Jonathan had made him king, whereas God was to have all the glory. This is the Lord's doing. So that though the death of Jonathan would be a great affliction to David, yet, by making him mindful of his own frailty, as well as by facilitating his accession to the throne, it would be an advantage to him. 3. God would hereby show us that the difference between good and bad is to be made in the other world, not in this. All things come alike to all. We cannot judge of the spiritual or eternal state of any by the manner of their death; for in that there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked.
III. He himself is sorely wounded by the Philistines and then slain by his own hand. The archers hit him (Sa1 31:3), so that he could neither fight nor fly, and therefore must inevitably fall into their hands. Thus, to make him the more miserable, destruction comes gradually upon him, and he dies so as to feel himself die. To such an extremity was he now reduced that, 1. He was desirous to die by the hand of his own servant rather than by the hand of the Philistines, lest they should abuse him as they had abused Samson. Miserable man! He finds himself dying, and all his care is to keep his body out of the hands of the Philistines, instead of being solicitous to resign his soul into the hands of God who gave it, Ecc 12:7. As he lived, so he died, proud and jealous, and a terror to himself and all about him. Those who rightly understand the matter think it of small account, in comparison, how it is with them in death, so it may but be well with them after death. Those are in a deplorable condition indeed who, being bitter in soul, long for death, but it cometh not (Job 3:20, Job 3:21), especially those who, despairing of the mercy of god, like Judas, leap into a hell before them, to escape a hell within them. 2. When he could not obtain that favour he became his own executioner, thinking hereby to avoid shame, but running upon a heinous sin, and with it entailing upon his own name a mark of perpetual infamy, as felo de se - a self-murderer. Jonathan, who received his death-wound from the hand of the Philistines and bravely yielded to the fate of war, died on the bed of honour; but Saul died as a fool dieth, as a coward dieth - a proud fool, a sneaking coward; he died as a man that had neither the fear of God nor hope in God, neither the reason of a man nor the religion of an Israelite, much less the dignity of a prince or the resolution of a soldier. Let us all pray, Lord, lead us not into temptation, this temptation. His armour-bearer would not run him through, and he did well to refuse it; for no man's servant ought to be a slave to his master's lusts or passions of any kind. The reason given is that he was sorely afraid, not of death, for he himself ran wilfully upon that immediately; but, having a profound reverence for the king his master, he could not conquer that so far as to do him any hurt; or perhaps he feared lest his trembling hand should give him but half a blow, and so put him to the greater misery.
IV. His armour-bearer who refused to kill him refused not to die with him, but fell likewise upon his sword, Sa1 31:5. This was an aggravating circumstance of the death of Saul, that, by the example of his wickedness in murdering himself, he drew in his servant to be guilty of the same wickedness, and perished not alone in his iniquity. The Jews say that Saul's armour-bearer was Doeg, whom he preferred to that dignity for killing the priests, and, if so, justly does his violent dealing return on his own head. David had foretold concerning him that God would destroy him for ever, Psa 52:5.
V. The country was put into such confusion by the rout of Saul's army that the inhabitants of the neighbouring cities (on that side Jordan, as it might be read) quitted them, and the Philistines, for a time, had possession of them, till things were settled in Israel (Sa1 31:7), to such a sad pass had Saul by his wickedness brought his country, which might have remained in the hands of the uncircumcised if David had not been raised up to repair the breaches of it. See what a king he proved for whom they rejected God and Samuel. They had still done wickedly (it is to be feared) as well as he, and therefore were consumed both they and their king, as the prophet had foretold concerning them, Sa1 12:25. And to this reference is had long after. Hos 13:10, Hos 13:11, "Where are thy saviours in all thy cities, of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? I gave thee a king in my anger, and took him away in my wrath; that is, he was a plague to thee living and dying; thou couldst expect no other."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 31:5 chronicles the tragic and immediate demise of King Saul's armourbearer, who, upon witnessing his master's death, likewise chose to fall upon his own sword and die alongside the king. This poignant verse marks the final act of a devastating battle on Mount Gilboa, where Israel suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Philistines, culminating in the end of Saul's tumultuous reign and the conclusion of the first era of Israelite monarchy, setting the stage for a new leadership.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated at the dramatic climax of the First Book of Samuel, specifically within the final chapter that details the catastrophic battle between Israel and the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. Preceding this verse, the narrative recounts the overwhelming Philistine victory, the death of Saul's sons, and Saul's own desperate plea to his armourbearer to kill him, followed by Saul's suicide when the armourbearer refused, as detailed in 1 Samuel 31:3-4. Verse 5 immediately follows Saul's death, portraying the armourbearer's parallel act of self-sacrifice. This immediate succession underscores the profound loyalty and shared fate between king and attendant, cementing the tragic finality of the scene. The subsequent verses describe the Philistines' discovery of the bodies and their desecration, further emphasizing the depth of Israel's defeat and humiliation, as seen in 1 Samuel 31:6-10.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events unfold on Mount Gilboa, a strategic location in the Jezreel Valley, marking a significant military confrontation between the Philistines and the Israelites. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the role of an armourbearer was far more than that of a mere servant; they were highly trusted personal attendants, bodyguards, and confidants to a king or high-ranking commander. Their close proximity often meant sharing the same dangers and, as seen here, the same fate in battle. Suicide, particularly by falling on one's sword, was a desperate act to avoid capture, torture, or public humiliation by the enemy, a practice known in various ancient cultures (e.g., Roman, Greek). For a king, such a death preserved a semblance of honor in defeat. The armourbearer's act, therefore, reflects not only profound personal loyalty but also adherence to a cultural code of honor and a deep sense of despair in the face of overwhelming national catastrophe and the loss of his master.
Key Themes: The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights Loyalty and Devotion, as the armourbearer's decision to die with Saul demonstrates an extreme bond and commitment, even after refusing to directly participate in Saul's suicide. Secondly, it underscores Despair and Defeat, portraying the utter hopelessness that permeated the Israelite camp following the decisive Philistine victory and the death of their king and princes. This despair contrasts sharply with the faith-filled victories seen earlier in the book under figures like Samuel and David. Thirdly, the scene marks The End of an Era, definitively closing the chapter on Saul's kingship, which had been characterized by disobedience and a gradual decline from God's favor, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 15:23. This tragic conclusion paves the way for the rise of David, the "man after God's own heart," and the establishment of a new, divinely chosen monarchy for Israel, vividly depicted in 1 Samuel 16:13.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 31:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its tragic message and emotional weight. Parallelism is prominently featured, as the armourbearer's action of falling on his sword directly mirrors Saul's preceding act in 1 Samuel 31:4. This parallel structure emphasizes the shared despair and the depth of the bond between the two men, highlighting a loyalty that extends even to death. The scene is imbued with strong Pathos, evoking pity and sorrow for both the doomed king and his faithful attendant. Their desperate suicides in the face of overwhelming defeat create a sense of profound tragedy, marking a somber and ignominious end to the first monarchy of Israel. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony in the fact that Saul, who was chosen by God but consistently disobeyed Him, meets such a ignominious end by his own hand, followed by his loyal servant. This tragic conclusion stands in stark contrast to the divine promise and purpose for Israel's kingship, setting the stage for the rise of David, a king chosen and guided by God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of Saul's armourbearer, mirroring his king's suicide, is a poignant theological moment that underscores the profound consequences of human choices and the weight of despair in the face of divine judgment. While the armourbearer's loyalty is admirable in human terms, his act is ultimately one of despair, reflecting the spiritual darkness that had enveloped Saul's reign due to his persistent disobedience to God. It highlights the difference between human loyalty, however strong, and the ultimate trust and obedience due to God. This tragic scene serves as a stark reminder that even in moments of extreme personal devotion, succumbing to despair rather than seeking God's will can lead to ultimate destruction. The narrative implicitly contrasts this desperate end with the path of faith and reliance on God, which would characterize the subsequent reign of David, who, even in his own times of distress, consistently sought the Lord's guidance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic end of Saul's armourbearer, dying alongside his king, offers profound lessons on loyalty, despair, and the ultimate source of hope. While we may admire the armourbearer's unwavering devotion, his act is rooted in a profound sense of hopelessness—a choice to end his life rather than face a future without his master or endure the humiliation of defeat. This narrative challenges us to consider where our ultimate loyalties lie and what sustains us in times of overwhelming difficulty. For believers, our loyalty is first and foremost to God, and our hope is found not in earthly leaders or circumstances, but in His unfailing sovereignty and eternal promises. When faced with personal or collective defeat, the Christian response is not despair, but a turning to God, finding strength and purpose even amidst loss. The story serves as a stark reminder that while human relationships are vital, they cannot be the ultimate foundation of our identity or hope. True peace and courage come from trusting in the Lord, who remains faithful even when all earthly supports crumble.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the armourbearer choose to die with Saul, especially after refusing to kill him?
Answer: The armourbearer's decision to die with Saul, despite his earlier refusal to strike the king, highlights a profound and complex loyalty. His initial refusal to kill Saul likely stemmed from a deep reverence for the king's anointed status, as it would have been an act against God's chosen leader. However, once Saul had taken his own life, the armourbearer was faced with an untenable situation: his master was dead, the battle was lost, and he faced certain capture, torture, or public humiliation by the Philistines. His act of falling on his own sword was a desperate choice, mirroring Saul's, to preserve honor and avoid a fate worse than death, demonstrating an ultimate solidarity with his king even in defeat. It was an act of despair, not necessarily of defiance, but of ultimate devotion to his master's fate and the cultural code of honor.
What is the significance of Saul's armourbearer in the broader narrative of 1 Samuel?
Answer: While Saul's armourbearer is not a prominent character throughout the book, his final act is highly significant. His unwavering loyalty unto death underscores the tragic isolation and ultimate downfall of King Saul. The armourbearer's choice to die with Saul serves as a poignant symbol of the complete collapse of Saul's kingdom and the pervasive despair that marked the end of his reign. It highlights the personal cost of Saul's disobedience and rejection by God, as even his most loyal attendant is drawn into his tragic end. This scene powerfully closes the era of Saul's kingship, setting the stage for the new covenant of kingship under David, who would eventually mourn both Saul and Jonathan, as recorded in 2 Samuel 1:11-12.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic end of King Saul and his loyal armourbearer, marked by despair and self-inflicted death in the face of overwhelming defeat, stands in stark contrast to the ultimate victory achieved through the death of Jesus Christ. Saul's death on Mount Gilboa represents the culmination of a failed kingship, characterized by human pride and disobedience to God, leading to utter defeat and the loss of life. In vivid opposition, Jesus, the true King of Israel, willingly laid down His life not in despair, but in perfect obedience to the Father's will, as beautifully articulated in Philippians 2:8. His death on the cross was not a defeat but the decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, triumphantly declared in Colossians 2:15. While the armourbearer's loyalty to a doomed king led to a shared earthly demise, Christ's followers are called to a loyalty that leads to eternal life, participating in His victory through faith and resurrection power. The despair that led Saul and his armourbearer to self-destruction is utterly overcome by the hope of the resurrection, which promises new life and an eternal kingdom under the reign of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and now reigns forevermore, holding the keys of death and Hades, as revealed in Revelation 1:18.