1 Chronicles 10 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Saul is conquered by the Philistines, and dies: his three sons are slain: the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead bury them. The kingdom is transferred from Saul to David.

Before Christ 1056.

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.

To carry tidings unto their idols— That the tidings might be told in the temples of their idols. Houbigant.

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.

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.