8 The next day the Philistines came to plunder the dead bodies and found Saul and his sons dead on Mount Gilboa. 9 They stripped Saul, removed his head and his armor, and put them on exhibit throughout Philistia, reporting the victory news to their idols and the people. 10 Then they put Saul's armor on display in the temple of their gods and placed his skull as a trophy in the temple of their god Dagon. 11 The people of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul. 12 All of their fighting men went into action - retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh, gave them a dignified burial under the oak at Jabesh, and mourned their deaths for seven days. 13 Saul died in disobedience, disobedient to God. He didn't obey God's words. Instead of praying, he went to a witch to seek guidance. 14 Because he didn't go to God for help, God took his life and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 10:8-14
Chapter Contents
The death of Saul.
The design chiefly in view in these books of the Chronicles, appears to be to preserve the records of the house of David. Therefore the writer repeats not the history of Saul's reign, but only of his death, by which a way was made for David to the throne. And from the ruin of Saul, we may learn, 1. That the sin of sinners will certainly find them out, sooner or later; Saul died for his transgression. 2. That no man's greatness can exempt him from the judgments of God. 3. Disobedience is a killing thing. Saul died for not keeping the word of the Lord. May be delivered from unbelief, impatience, and despair. By waiting on the Lord we shall obtain a kingdom that cannot be moved.