The list of names is interrupted, and we are now given a detailed account of the death of King Saul. In summing up...
The list of names is interrupted, and we are now given a detailed account of the death of King Saul. In summing up his life and death, the narrator notes that Saul’s defeat resulted from his lack of faith and from his consulting a sorceress.
Generally speaking, this was not Saul’s only lawless act; the Bible recounts many of his unworthy deeds. Nevertheless, the sin of consulting the sorceress is singled out and, more than that, recognized as decisive. The reason must lie not only in the gravity of the sin itself, for Saul did not resort to sorcery in ignorance, but quite deliberately turned to the powers of darkness. Yet because other lawless acts had preceded this one, we may suppose that by this act Saul filled up the measure of his lawlessness and placed the final stroke on his apostasy.
Is it not symbolic that Saul’s apostasy ended in the temple of a pagan god, where his head was put on display? Whoever turns away from God risks falling under the power of paganism—but not as an equal...
10 The overthrow and death of Saul, Ch1 10:1-7.
The triumph of the Philistines, Ch1 10:8-10.
The men of Jabesh - gilead take down and bury the bodies of Saul and his sons, Ch1 10:11-12.
The reason of Saul's death, Ch1 10:13-14.
10:1 The men of Israel fled, etc - Thus princes sin and the people suffer for it. No doubt there was enough in them to deserve it. But thatwhich divine justice had chiefly an eye to, was the sin of Saul.Great men should in an especial manner, take heed of provoking God's wrath.For if they kindle that fire, they know not how many may be consumed by itfor their sakes.
10:6 His house - All his children, then present with him, namely, his three sons, for Ishbosheth and Mephiboshieth were not slain.
10:10 Temple of Dagon - If we give not God the glory of our successes, even Philistines will rise up in judgment with us and condemn us.Shall Dagon have so great a place in their triumphs, and the true Godbe forgotten in ours?
10:12 Seven days - Every day 'till evening, after the manner of the Jewish fasts.
10:13 The word - Against God's express command: which is a great aggravation of any sin. Familiar spirit - Which also was contrary toa manifest command, Lev 19:31.
10:14 Enquired not - He did in some sort, but not in a right manner, not humbly and penitently, not diligently and importunately, not patientlyand perseveringly. Nor 'till he was brought to the last extremity.And then it was too late.