1 Chronicles 10 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

A.M. 2948. B.C. 1056.

The overthrow and death of Saul, 1 Chronicles 10:1-7. The triumph of the Philistines, 1 Chronicles 10:8-10. The men of Jabesh-gilead take down and bury the bodies of Saul and his sons, 1 Chronicles 10:11; 1 Chronicles 10:12. The reason of Saul's death, 1 Chronicles 10:13; 1 Chronicles 10:14.

The men of Israel fled Thus princes sin, and the people suffer for it. No doubt there was enough in them to deserve it. But that which 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 it for their sakes. See notes on 1 Samuel 31.

Saul died, and all his house All his children then present with him, namely, his three sons; for Ish-bosheth and Mephibosheth were not slain.

In the 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 God be forgotten in ours?

And fasted seven days Every day till evening, after the manner of the Jewish fasts.

So Saul died for his transgression The sense is, wonder not that Saul fell by the hands of the Philistines, who were armed against him by his own sin, and by God's vengeance for it. Against the word of the Lord Against God's express, and plain, and positive command; which is a great aggravation of any sin. For asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit Which also was contrary to a manifest command,

(Leviticus 19:31,) and moreover contrary to his own conscience, which was so fully convinced of the evil of such practices, that he had endeavoured the utter extirpation of all such persons, in pursuance of God's law, 1 Samuel 28:9. To inquire of it Concerning the event of the approaching battle.

Inquired not of the Lord He did in some sort, but not in a right manner; not humbly and penitently, not diligently and importunately, not patiently and perseveringly; nor till he was brought to the last extremity, and then it was too late.