All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.
And went all night. Considering that Beth-shan is about three hours' distance, and by a narrow upland passage, to the west of the Jordan, the whole being a journey of about 12 miles, they must have made all expedition to travel there, to carry off the headless bodies, and return to their own side of the Jordan in the course of a single night. But loyal and devoted hearts prompted them to brave all danger; and having surprised the guard at Beth-shan, they succeeded in effecting their generous purpose.
Burnt them. This was not a Hebrew custom. It was probably resorted to on this occasion to prevent all risk of the Beth-shanites coming to disinter the royal remains for further insult.