1 Samuel 31 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

1 Samuel 31 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Israel’s first king, Saul, was appointed in approximately 1050 B.C.

• The events documented in 1 Samuel 31 took place around 1010 B.C.

CHARACTERS:

• David – Samuel anointed him to be the second king of Israel. During these days, David lived amongst the Philistines at Ziklag because Saul wanted him dead.   

• Saul – The first king of Israel. He reigned for approximately 40 years.

• Jonathan – Saul’s son and David’s best friend.

• The Philistines - The long-time enemies of the Israelites.

WHERE:

• The Israelite army fought with the Philistines at Mt Gilboa.

• The Philistines hung Saul’s body at Beth-shan.

  Saul and his sons were buried in Jabesh-gilead.

OUTLINE:

• THE DEATH OF KING SAUL (31:1-13):

  • The Israelites fought against the Philistines, but the battle went poorly for them.

  • They retreated and many were killed on Mount Gilboa.

  • The Philistines caught up with Saul and his sons, and the Philistine archers began shooting at them.

  • Saul was struck by an arrow and badly wounded.

  • He asked his armor bearer to kill him because he didn’t want to be captured by the Philistines, but his armor bearer was too afraid.

  • So, Saul propped up his sword and fell on it, killing himself. His armor bearer did the same.

  • Saul’s three sons were killed in battle with him (Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua).

  • The day following the battle, the Philistines found Saul’s body on Mt. Gilboa. They cut off his head, took his armor to their pagan temple, and hung his body on a wall at Bethshan.

  • When the men of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done, their valiant men went by night and recovered the bodies of Saul and his sons and buried them in Jabesh.  

APPLICATION:

• A life of dedication to the Lord is a life-long pursuit, beware of starting off well and finishing poorly.

• Saul starting off with great promise but ended as a disappointment.

• He started out humble and loving the Lord, but he ended up as the enemy of God.

• Our relationship with the Lord is one that needs to be cared for and nurtured every day.

• It isn’t enough to start well, we need to finish well (2 Tim 4:7). Certainly, God will help us to that if we desire it.

• James 4:8 - Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.