1 Samuel 31:5

KJV

And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when his armourbearer {H5375}{H3627} saw {H7200} that Saul {H7586} was dead {H4191}, he fell {H5307} likewise upon his sword {H2719}, and died {H4191} 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.

Commentary

### 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the 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 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 ([1 Samuel 31:3-4](/1_samuel/31-3 "1 Samuel 31:3-4 - Saul's Wounding and Suicide Attempt")). Verse 5 immediately follows Saul's death, portraying the armourbearer's parallel act of self-sacrifice, underscoring the profound loyalty and shared fate between king and attendant. The subsequent verses describe the Philistines' discovery of the bodies and their desecration, further emphasizing the depth of Israel's defeat ([1 Samuel 31:6-10](/1_samuel/31-6 "1 Samuel 31:6-10 - Aftermath of the Battle")).
* **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 not merely to carry weapons but to be a trusted personal attendant, bodyguard, and confidant to a king or high-ranking commander. Their close proximity often meant sharing the same fate in battle. Suicide, particularly 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. For a king, such a death preserved a semblance of honor in defeat. The armourbearer's act, therefore, reflects not only personal loyalty but also adherence to a cultural code of honor and a profound sense of despair in the face of overwhelming national catastrophe.
* **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, 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 ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")). 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 ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Armourbearer (Hebrew, _nose' keilim'_):** This term (נֹשֵׂא כֵלִים) literally translates to "bearer of vessels" or "bearer of equipment." Far from a mere servant, the armourbearer was a highly trusted and intimate attendant to the king or a high-ranking officer. They were responsible for carrying the commander's weapons, protecting them, and often fighting alongside them. This close relationship meant they shared the dangers of battle and, as seen here, often shared the fate of their master. The armourbearer's refusal to kill Saul in [1 Samuel 31:4](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4 - Saul's Suicide") might stem from reverence for the king's anointed status, but his subsequent self-sacrifice demonstrates an ultimate loyalty that transcends fear.
* **Fell likewise upon his sword (Hebrew, _nafal al charbo'_):** The phrase (נָפַל עַל חַרְבּוֹ) describes the act of suicide by falling onto one's own weapon. The inclusion of "likewise" (גַּם־הוּא, _gam-hu'_) is crucial, emphasizing the direct parallel between the armourbearer's action and Saul's. It signifies not a unique act but an imitation, driven by the same despair and desire to avoid capture or dishonor. This repetition highlights the shared tragic end and the profound impact of Saul's death on his closest attendant.
* **Died with him (Hebrew, _vayyamot 'immo'_):** This concluding phrase (וַיָּמָת עִמּוֹ) explicitly states the outcome and reinforces the theme of shared destiny. It signifies the complete and final solidarity between the armourbearer and King Saul. The armourbearer's life was so intertwined with the king's that he chose not to survive him, especially in the context of such a devastating defeat. This act underscores the depth of his devotion and the all-consuming nature of the despair that gripped the Israelite leadership on Mount Gilboa.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead":** This clause establishes the immediate trigger for the armourbearer's action. The visual confirmation of Saul's death is paramount; it signifies the end of his master's life and, by extension, the end of the armourbearer's primary purpose and perhaps his own hope. The immediacy implied by "when he saw" suggests a swift, decisive, and perhaps desperate reaction.
* **"he fell likewise upon his sword":** This phrase describes the armourbearer's fatal act, mirroring Saul's earlier action. The word "likewise" is critical, indicating a deliberate imitation. Having refused to strike Saul directly, the armourbearer now chooses the same method of death for himself, demonstrating a profound identification with his king's fate and a shared desire to avoid the humiliation of capture by the Philistines.
* **"and died with him":** This final clause confirms the outcome of the armourbearer's act. It emphasizes the shared demise and the ultimate solidarity between the two men. Their deaths are inextricably linked, marking a joint end to their lives and symbolizing the complete collapse of Saul's reign and the Israelite army in this battle.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 31:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its tragic message. **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](/1_samuel/31-4 "1 Samuel 31:4 - Saul's Suicide"). 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 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.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")
* [2 Samuel 1:11-12](/2_samuel/1-11 "2 Samuel 1:11-12 - David's Mourning for Saul and Jonathan")
* [Psalm 42:11](/psalm/42-11 "Psalm 42:11 - Why are you cast down, O my soul?")

### 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 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
* **In what ways might our loyalties to earthly figures or institutions, however noble, become misplaced if they overshadow our ultimate loyalty to God?**
* **How does the armourbearer's act of despair challenge us to consider our own responses to overwhelming defeat or loss?**
* **What are practical steps we can take to cultivate a hope that transcends circumstances, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges?**
* **How can the example of David, who mourned Saul but continued to inquire of the Lord ([1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord")), guide our reactions to loss and adversity?**

### 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 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.

**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 ([2 Samuel 1:11-12](/2_samuel/1-11 "2 Samuel 1:11-12 - David's Mourning for Saul and Jonathan")).

### 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 ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). His death on the cross was not a defeat but the decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). 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. The despair that led Saul and his armourbearer to self-destruction is 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 ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")).

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

1 Chronicles 10:5

And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.