1 Samuel 31:6

KJV

So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Saul {H7586} died {H4191}, and his three {H7969} sons {H1121}, and his armourbearer {H5375}{H3627}, and all his men {H582}, that same day {H3117} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus Sha'ul, his three sons, his armor-bearer and all his men died that same day together.

Berean Standard Bible

So Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together that same day.

American Standard Version

So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armorbearer, and all his men, that same day together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 31:6 delivers a stark and devastating summary of the Battle of Mount Gilboa, recording the simultaneous deaths of King Saul, his three sons, his armourbearer, and all his immediate retinue. This terse declaration marks the tragic and definitive end of Israel's first monarchy, a reign characterized by disobedience and decline, and serves as a pivotal moment that clears the path for the divinely appointed rise of David to the throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the grim conclusion to the narrative of the Battle of Mount Gilboa, detailed in [1 Samuel 31:1-5](/1_samuel/31-1-5 "1 Samuel 31:1-5 - The Battle of Mount Gilboa"). The preceding verses describe the Philistine victory, the wounding of Saul, his desperate plea to his armourbearer to kill him, the armourbearer's refusal, and Saul's subsequent suicide by falling on his own sword. The deaths of his sons, including the beloved Jonathan, are also recounted as occurring in the battle. [1 Samuel 31:6](/1_samuel/31-6 "1 Samuel 31:6 - The Death of Saul and His Sons") functions as a summarizing statement, emphasizing the totality and simultaneity of the catastrophe that befell the Israelite leadership on that fateful day. It sets the stage for the Philistine desecration of the bodies in [1 Samuel 31:7-10](/1_samuel/31-7-10 "1 Samuel 31:7-10 - Philistine Desecration and Jabesh-Gilead's Response") and the subsequent narrative of David's ascension in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of David").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Battle of Mount Gilboa represents a critical juncture in Israelite history, marking a severe military defeat at the hands of the Philistines, Israel's formidable and persistent adversaries throughout the period of the judges and early monarchy. The Philistines, a technologically superior people with iron weaponry and organized military structures, posed an existential threat to the fledgling Israelite kingdom. The death of a king in battle, especially by suicide, was a profound disgrace and a sign of utter defeat, often leading to the collapse of the kingdom or dynasty. The role of the armourbearer was one of deep loyalty and personal service, highlighting the intimate tragedy of Saul's final moments. This event underscores the volatile political and military landscape of the ancient Near East, where national survival often hinged on military prowess and divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 31:6](/1_samuel/31-6 "1 Samuel 31:6 - The Death of Saul and His Sons") powerfully encapsulates several major themes woven throughout the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of the Monarchy and David"). Firstly, it signifies **The End of an Era**, marking the dramatic and tragic conclusion of Saul's reign, Israel's first king, and the collapse of his dynasty. Secondly, it serves as a stark illustration of the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Saul's life was characterized by a gradual departure from God's commands, leading to his rejection as king (as seen in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). His violent end and the comprehensive defeat of his army are presented as the culmination of his spiritual rebellion. Thirdly, the phrase "all his men, that same day together" emphasizes the **Complete Devastation** of the Israelite forces, signifying not merely the loss of the king but a comprehensive military and dynastic catastrophe. Finally, even in this moment of human failure and despair, the verse subtly points to **Divine Sovereignty**, as Saul's demise, though tragic, clears the way for the anointing and reign of [David](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing"), God's chosen king, whose kingdom would ultimately endure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Armourbearer (Hebrew, נֹשֵׂא כֵלָיו, _nose' kelayv_):** This term refers to a highly trusted personal attendant who was responsible for carrying (H5375, _nâsâʼ_: to lift, bear) the primary warrior's weapons or implements (H3627, _kᵉlîy_: any apparatus, implement, weapon). The role was one of significant loyalty and intimacy, implying a close bond and shared danger. The armourbearer's refusal to kill Saul (1 Sam 31:4) highlights a moral or religious reluctance, perhaps to participate in suicide, but his subsequent self-inflicted death alongside Saul (1 Sam 31:5) underscores his profound loyalty and the personal tragedy of the king's final moments.
* **That same day together (Hebrew, בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יַחְדָּו, _bayyom hahu yachdav_):** This phrase powerfully conveys the immediate and simultaneous nature of these deaths. "Day" (H3117, _yôwm_) refers to a specific period, often the warm hours or a defined space of time, here emphasizing the singular, catastrophic moment. "Together" (H3162, _yachad_) signifies a unit or united action, stressing that the entire leadership structure around Saul—himself, his direct heirs, and his most trusted attendant—collapsed in a single, catastrophic event. This simultaneity underscores the totality of the defeat and the abrupt end of an era, preventing any immediate succession from within Saul's direct line and highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the Philistine victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Saul died":** This clause delivers the definitive and tragic end of Israel's first king. It marks the culmination of a reign characterized by disobedience, paranoia, and a gradual departure from divine favor, ultimately leading to his rejection by God and his violent demise. This "dying" (H4191, _mûwth_) signifies a literal end, a cessation of life.
* **"and his three sons":** These are Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-Shua (as identified in [1 Samuel 31:2](/1_samuel/31-2 "1 Samuel 31:2 - Saul's Sons Slain")). Their deaths, as "sons" (H1121, _bên_, a builder of the family name) and specifically "three" (H7969, _shâlôwsh_), signify the complete eradication of Saul's direct dynastic line and underscore the depth of the Israelite defeat. Jonathan's death is particularly poignant, given his unwavering loyalty to David and his own noble character.
* **"and his armourbearer":** This refers to the loyal attendant who, after refusing Saul's initial command to kill him, ultimately took his own life in solidarity with the king. His death highlights the personal tragedy for Saul and the deep bonds of loyalty that existed within his immediate retinue, even in the face of despair.
* **"and all his men":** This sweeping statement indicates the comprehensive nature of the defeat, extending beyond the royal family and trusted aide to the entire fighting force present with Saul. The term "men" (H582, _ʼĕnôwsh_, referring to mortals in general) emphasizes that the collapse was not isolated but a widespread military catastrophe for Israel.
* **"that same day together":** This final phrase powerfully conveys the swiftness and totality of the destruction. It stresses the immediate and simultaneous collapse of Saul's leadership, his dynastic hopes, and the core of his army, leaving no room for a lingering struggle or a gradual decline.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 31:6 is imbued with profound **Tragedy**. The entire arc of Saul's life, from his initial anointing as a promising king to his descent into paranoia, disobedience, and ultimately, self-destruction, culminates in this devastating scene. His death, alongside his sons, represents the tragic end of a failed reign and a dynasty that God rejected. Furthermore, there is significant **Irony** present. Saul, chosen by God to deliver Israel from its enemies, particularly the Philistines, ultimately dies at their hands and by his own sword, a stark contrast to the divine protection he once enjoyed. His reign, intended to establish a secure kingdom, ends in utter collapse and disgrace, paving the way for the very king he relentlessly pursued. The concise, almost clinical, reporting of these multiple deaths in one breath also serves as a form of **Understatement**, allowing the sheer weight of the catastrophe to resonate without explicit emotional commentary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 31:6 serves as a powerful theological statement on the consequences of disobedience and the outworking of divine sovereignty. Saul's tragic end is not merely a military defeat but the culmination of God's judgment upon a king who repeatedly rebelled against His commands and relied on His own strength rather than divine guidance. It underscores the biblical principle that faithfulness to God is paramount, even for those in positions of power. Yet, even in this moment of profound human failure and national despair, God's overarching plan remains sovereign. Saul's death, though devastating, was a necessary step in the divine narrative, clearing the way for David, the "man after God's own heart," to assume the throne and establish a more enduring, God-centered dynasty from which the Messiah would ultimately come. This demonstrates that God works His purposes through human actions, failures, and triumphs, always moving history towards His ultimate goals.

* [Proverbs 13:13](/proverbs/13-13 "Proverbs 13:13 - Consequences of Disregarding God's Word")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of 1 Samuel 31:6 compels us to reflect on the profound consequences of choices, particularly for those in leadership. Saul's story is a sobering reminder that a departure from God's will, even for a divinely appointed leader, can lead to personal ruin and widespread catastrophe. It highlights the critical importance of humble and consistent obedience to God, recognizing that true authority and lasting success flow from alignment with His purposes, not from human strength or ambition. For individuals, it underscores the need for self-examination regarding our own areas of disobedience and pride, urging us to turn back to God before our choices lead to tragic ends. For leaders, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale, emphasizing that their decisions have far-reaching implications, not only for themselves but for those they lead and for future generations. Ultimately, even in the midst of such a devastating scene, the narrative reminds us that God's sovereign plan continues to unfold, bringing hope that even through human failure, His ultimate purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's tragic end challenge our understanding of leadership and accountability, especially in spiritual contexts?**
* **In what ways might we, like Saul, be tempted to rely on our own strength or wisdom rather than humbly seeking and obeying God's will?**
* **What comfort or challenge does the knowledge of God's overarching sovereignty provide when facing moments of apparent failure or despair in our own lives or in the world around us?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the differing accounts of Saul's death in 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1?**

Answer: The account in [1 Samuel 31:4-6](/1_samuel/31-4-6 "1 Samuel 31:4-6 - Saul's Death in Battle") states that Saul fell on his own sword after his armourbearer refused to kill him, and then his armourbearer also died. [2 Samuel 1:1-16](/2_samuel/1-1-16 "2 Samuel 1:1-16 - David Learns of Saul's Death") presents a different narrative where an Amalekite claims to have killed Saul at Saul's request, then brings Saul's crown and armlet to David. Scholars generally view the [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul") account as the historically accurate one, given its detailed description and contextual consistency within the narrative of the battle. The Amalekite's story in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - David's Lament") is widely interpreted as a fabrication, likely an attempt by the Amalekite to gain favor with David by claiming credit for killing his enemy, unaware of David's deep respect for God's anointed king. David's immediate execution of the Amalekite for laying hands on the Lord's anointed (as seen in [2 Samuel 1:14-16](/2_samuel/1-14-16 "2 Samuel 1:14-16 - David's Judgment on the Amalekite")) further supports the idea that the Amalekite's claim was a self-serving lie, not the true account of Saul's death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic death of King Saul in [1 Samuel 31:6](/1_samuel/31-6 "1 Samuel 31:6 - The Death of Saul and His Sons"), a king who failed due to disobedience and self-reliance, serves as a profound backdrop against which the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ, shines even brighter. Saul's kingship, though divinely initiated, ultimately collapsed, marked by human frailty and a violent end. This failure, however, was part of God's sovereign plan to clear the way for David, a king after God's own heart, who himself foreshadowed the coming Messiah. Jesus, the ultimate Son of David, embodies the perfect kingship that Saul failed to achieve. Unlike Saul, who struggled with obedience and succumbed to his enemies, Christ perfectly obeyed His Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He did not die in defeat but willingly laid down His life to conquer the ultimate enemies: sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Saul's kingdom ended in collapse and despair, but Christ's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, one that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Thus, Saul's tragic end, while marking the close of an era, ultimately points forward to the perfect, victorious, and eternal reign of Christ, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 Samuel 12:25

But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

1 Chronicles 10:6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.

1 Samuel 12:17

[Is it] not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.

1 Samuel 28:19

Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow [shalt] thou and thy sons [be] with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 11:15

And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

1 Samuel 4:10

¶ And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

1 Samuel 4:11

And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.