1 Chronicles 10 - The Death of Saul

LINK: 1 Chronicles 10 

You can read a previous post that parallels this passage here: 1 Samuel 31

BACKGROUND

1 and 2 Chronicles were written to elaborate on the reign of David and show that his dynasty was ordered and directed by God. In 1 Chronicles 10 and 11, the chronicler contrasts the illustrious beginning of David's reign with the tragic ending of Saul's reign (Saul's reign and dynasty was 40 years from 1051-1011 B.C. while David's dynasty lasted 425 years from 1011-586 B.C.).

This narrative is practically identical to 1 Samuel 31 with the exception that the author adds that the Philistines hung Saul's head in the temple of Dagon (1 Chronicles 10:10) but omits that they hung his body on the wall of Beth Shan (1 Samuel 31:10). In addition, the 1 Chronicles account has a theological observation about Saul's death:

So Saul died for his trespass, which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep (1 Samuel 13:13-14;15:23); and also because he asked counsel of a medium (1 Samuel 28:7), making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the LORD. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse. (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)

REFLECTION and APPLICATION

Saul did not obey God's commands and did not finish well. Jesus has some words for those who do obey:

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. (John 14:21)

I want to have God's commandments and keep them. How about you?

PRAYER

Lord, help us to finish WELL by treasuring Your Word and obeying You. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.