1 Samuel 31:2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua.
The book of 1 Samuel ends spectacularly poorly for Saul. Samuel told Saul in the last chapter that Saul’s death was coming, yet Saul did nothing to get right with God, a definite and final missed opportunity for sure. He ends up dead, beheaded, stripped of his armor and fastened to the wall of Beth Shan. A horrible end, no doubt.
1 Samuel 31:3 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically.
But I was struck by a line in commentary that posited: “Saul’s sin, hardened rebellion, and eventual ruin affected far more than himself and even his immediate family. It literally endangered the entire nation of Israel.” Saul’s disobedience and rebellion affected him, obviously, but the effects of his sin went so much farther than just himself. The reaches of the effects of his sin are incredibly sobering.
1 Samuel 31:8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the perspective that when we are disobedient to you, the consequences can affect those we love deeply. Help us to listen, to seek Your will, and to obey, not out of fear, but out of a deep love and respect for You and Your authority and out of a deep love for others. Draw us closer. Amen,
1 Samuel 31:9 They cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and they sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.