1 Samuel 31 Commentary

1 Samuel 31 Commentary

1 Samuel closes with Chapter 31. King Saul dies. His three sons also die, including Jonathan. It is a sad day for Israel. The army is decimated.

Chapter 31 makes a mockery of the word of the LORD, which says, “One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised.” Joshua 23:10. Instead, it’s Israel that is routed by the enemy. But this is expected, if not deserved.

Saul’s mission was to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines. Instead, Saul is killed by the Philistines!

One is tempted to ask, What happened? Sin happened! That’s how it goes!

The first volume of Samuel ends here.

We started this journey with Hannah’s prayer for a son in Chapter 1. The request was granted, and a son was given. He was a nazirite just like Samson.

Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, desecrate the sanctuary with their wickedness. The Glory departs. But the LORD is talking to the young priest Samuel. Hannah’s son would go on to serve as a priest, leader, judge, and prophet. His role in the history of the nation is Moses-like in importance. By the hand of Moses, the priesthood was introduced. By the hand of Samuel, the kingship was introduced. In addition, the role of the prophet was enhanced.

As leader and judge of the nation, Samuel is well known for his ‘Ebenezer’ statement. It marked a significant milestone in the nation’s history as the LORD generously guided the nation to victory.

The aged Samuel must hand over power to another. But his sons are no better than Hophni and Phinehas. The nation demands a king like every other nation. The LORD elects Saul. The Spirit empowers him to defeat Nahash’s army at Jabesh Gilead. The Spirit doesn’t stay long in Saul’s life because of sin. Instead, we have demons running the show in the king’s life.

The lowest point in the book is another of the LORD’s profound statements that He regretted having made Saul king. The last time the LORD regretted having created man resulted in the Spirit ‘not remaining in man’.

Plan B is implemented. David is the chosen one. The Spirit empowers him. He kills Goliath. We are reminded of how Samson killed the lion under the power of the Spirit of God.

Fear and jealousy lead Saul to hunt David from place to place, killing the LORD’s priests in the process. Jonathan provides a rare friendship with David, which proves critical to the LORD’s master plan for David.

The last 4 chapters focus on the last battle.

The first volume is all about transitions. Samuel replaces Eli’s wicked sons. Saul replaces Samuel’s wicked sons. Then David replaces weak and wicked Saul. It’s a hire and fire situation! Scary!

Thanks for loving the word of the LORD.

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