Bible Commentaries

1 Chronicles 10:6. All his house died together— 1:e. All of his house or family who were with him that day. In 1 Samuel 31:6 it is all his men.

1 Chronicles 10:9. To carry tidings unto their idols— That the tidings might be told in the temples of their idols. Houbigant.

1 Chronicles 10:13. To enquire of it— See the note on 1 Samuel 31:1. The two great offences of Saul, which are recapitulated in this verse, were, his sparing the Amalekites, and consulting the witch of Endor.

1 Chronicles 10:14. And enquired not of the Lord— This seems to contradict what is said 1 Samuel 28:6. But the Jews and others reconcile the two passages by saying, that as he did not persevere to inquire of God, nor inquire at all with a truly religious and faithful spirit, but went to a witch, it was just the same as if he had not inquired at all. "He whose heart is perfect with God," says a learned Jew, "lifts up his eyes to him and fixes them on him, hoping in him, though he do not presently hear or grant his request; and perseveres in his hopes, setting a resolution to wait upon him. But so did not Saul, who was remiss and negligent, saying in the pride of his heart, If the Lord will not answer me, I will consult a familiar spirit." The Vulgate renders the words in this place, and put not his trust in the Lord.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, For the account of Saul's death, see 1 Samuel 31. It was a just judgment on Saul; and, no doubt, his bloody house, following his ill example, deserved to fall with him. Thus a way was made for David to the crown, most of his competitors being removed. We pity Jonathan, that lovely name, fallen among the slain; but all is wise and good which God doth, though we are short-sighted, and see not always the reasons of his procedure.

2nd, The indignity offered to the bodies of Saul and his sons, and the bold attempt of the men of Jabesh-gilead, were before observed. Note; (1.) God will visit for sin, and the highest are not above his arm. (2.) They who abused their power when alive, deserve to be stigmatized when dead, as a warning to others. (3.) Ruin must be near, when men, like Saul, turn away from God, and abandon themselves to the devil.