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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When his armor bearer realized that Saul was dead, he fell on his own sword and died beside the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, so he also fell on his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his own sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his own sword and died with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell upon his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the soldier knew that Saul was dead, he killed himself in the same way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell upon his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The young man saw that Saul was dead, so he too threw himself on his own sword and died with Saul. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his own sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword, and died with him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the bearer of his weapons sees that Saul [is] dead, and he falls—he also—on his sword, and dies with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the bearer of his weapons seeth that Saul is dead, and he falleth -- he also -- on his sword, and dieth with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he lifting up his arms will fear, for he saw Saul died; and he will fall, also he, upon his sword, and he will die with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when his armourbearer saw this, to wit, that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when his armor bearer had seen this, namely, that Saul had died, he too fell upon his sword, and he died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell upon his sword and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Bearer of his armor saw that Shaul was dead, and he fell also on his sword and he died<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when his armour-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell upon his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his armour-bearer saw that Saul was dead, and he fell also himself upon his sword, and died with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=9033" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Saul's Overthrow and Death</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: nō·śê- (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">When his armor-bearer</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: ḵê·lāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">was dead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">too</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yip·pōl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fell</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥar·bōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">his own sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·māṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">and died</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>So Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together that same day.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-5.htm">1 Chronicles 10:5</a></span><br />When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Judges 9:54</a></span><br />He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm">2 Samuel 1:10</a></span><br />So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-14.htm">2 Samuel 1:14-16</a></span><br />So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-23.htm">2 Samuel 17:23</a></span><br />When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-18.htm">1 Kings 16:18</a></span><br />When Zimri saw that the city was captured, he entered the citadel of the royal palace and burned it down upon himself. So he died<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-5.htm">Matthew 27:5</a></span><br />So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-18.htm">Acts 1:18</a></span><br />(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">2 Samuel 1:4</a></span><br />“What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-17.htm">2 Samuel 1:17-27</a></span><br />Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, / and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar: / “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-25.htm">1 Kings 2:25</a></span><br />So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-34.htm">1 Kings 2:34</a></span><br />So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-46.htm">1 Kings 2:46</a></span><br />Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-27.htm">2 Kings 9:27</a></span><br />When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-14.htm">2 Kings 11:14</a></span><br />And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on his sword, and died with him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/10-5.htm">1 Chronicles 10:5</a></b></br> And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Armor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-21.htm">Armorbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-21.htm">Armor-Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Armourbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-21.htm">Armour-Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-38.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-21.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-13.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">United</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">Weapons</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Armor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Armorbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Armor-Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Armourbearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Armour-Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Bearer</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-29.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-12.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/ezra/3-9.htm">United</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Weapons</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Saul, having lost his army, and his sons slain, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">he and his armor bearer kill themselves.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">The Philistines possess the forsaken towns of the Israelites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">They triumph over the dead bodies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">They of Jabesh Gilead recovering the dead bodies by night, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">burn them at Jabesh, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">and mournfully bury their bodies.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead</b><br>The role of an armor-bearer in ancient Israel was to assist a warrior in battle, carrying his weapons and providing support. This position required loyalty and bravery. The armor-bearer’s actions reflect the deep bond and duty to his master, King Saul. The death of Saul, Israel's first king, marked a significant turning point in Israelite history, leading to the rise of David as king. Saul's death fulfilled the prophecy given by Samuel in <a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">1 Samuel 28:19</a>, where it was foretold that Saul and his sons would die in battle. The armor-bearer's reaction underscores the gravity of the moment and the loyalty expected in such roles.<p><b>he too fell on his own sword and died with him</b><br>The act of falling on one's sword was a method of suicide in ancient times, often seen as a way to avoid capture or disgrace. This action by the armor-bearer can be seen as an act of loyalty, choosing death over living without his master. It also reflects the cultural values of honor and loyalty prevalent in the ancient Near East. The armor-bearer's death alongside Saul signifies the end of an era and the tragic downfall of Saul's reign. This moment can be contrasted with the New Testament, where Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, offers life and hope through His resurrection, rather than death and despair. The armor-bearer's choice highlights the despair and hopelessness that can accompany the loss of a leader, contrasting with the hope found in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. His reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God and a troubled relationship with David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/armor_bearer.htm">Armor Bearer</a></b><br>A young man who served Saul by carrying his armor and assisting him in battle. His loyalty to Saul is evident in his actions following Saul's death.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_gilboa.htm">Mount Gilboa</a></b><br>The location of the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines where Saul and his sons met their demise.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A significant enemy of Israel during Saul's reign, known for their military prowess and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/death_of_saul.htm">Death of Saul</a></b><br>A pivotal event marking the end of Saul's reign and the beginning of David's rise to kingship, fulfilling God's plan for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_despair.htm">Loyalty and Despair</a></b><br>The armor bearer's actions demonstrate extreme loyalty but also a lack of hope. Believers are called to be loyal but should find hope in Christ, even in dire circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's tragic end is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for a life that honors Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Saul's failure as a leader had dire consequences for himself and those around him. Godly leadership requires humility, obedience, and reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Hope in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the tragic events, God's plan for Israel continued through David. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to bring good from difficult situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_king_saul_die_in_the_bible.htm">How did King Saul die according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_1_sam_31_4-5_and_2_sam_1_10_differ.htm">How can 1 Samuel 31:4–5 claim Saul died by falling on his own sword if 2 Samuel 1:10 says an Amalekite killed him? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_saul_and_his_armorbearer_die_by_suicide.htm">How plausible is it that both Saul and his armorbearer died by their own swords in rapid succession (1 Samuel 31:4-5)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_king_saul_die.htm">How did King Saul die? (1 Samuel 31:4-6 vs. 2 Samuel 1:8-10)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 5, 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">His armour bearer.</span> The Jewish tradition says that he was Doeg the Edomite, and that the sword on which Saul fell was that with which he had massacred the priests. This is not very probable; but whoever he was, his horror on being asked to slay his master, and his devotion to him, are deserving of admiration. <span class="cmt_word">All his men.</span> In <a href="/1_chronicles/10-6.htm">1 Chronicles 10:6</a>" all his house." But Ishbosheth and Abner survived, and the meaning probably is not that his whole army, but that his personal attendants, all those posted round him, fell to a man, fighting bravely for their king, as the Scots fought round King James V. at Flodden Field. As suicide was very rare among the Israelites, the death of Saul is made more intensely tragic by the anguish which drove him thus to die by his own hand. POLITICAL RESULT OF THE BATTLE (ver. 7). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When his armor-bearer</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹשֵֽׂא־</span> <span class="translit">(nō·śê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֥רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֑וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was dead,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֛וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">too</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fell</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפֹּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip·pōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his own sword</span><br /><span class="heb">חַרְבּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥar·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and died</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥מָת</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·māṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him.</span><br /><span class="heb">עִמּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘im·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/31-5.htm">1 Samuel 31:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 31:5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>