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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 31:3 When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/31-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/09_1Sa_31_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 31:3 - Saul's Overthrow and Death" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and he was sore wounded of the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers found him; and he was gravely wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the battle became heavy against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was severely wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers found him and severely wounded 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 the battle intensified against Saul, the archers caught up with him and severely wounded him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The fighting was fierce around Saul, and he was badly wounded by enemy arrows. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The heaviest fighting was against Saul. When the archers got him in their range, he was badly wounded by them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The fighting was heavy around Saul, and he himself was hit by enemy arrows and badly wounded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The heaviest fighting was directed toward Saul, and when the bowmen who were shooting located Saul, he was severely wounded by them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Saul himself was in the thick of the battle; the archers spotted him and wounded him severely. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The battle was fierce against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the battle was severe against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was severely wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The battle went hard against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. <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 battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him—men with bow—and he is greatly pained by the archers;<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 battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him -- men with bow -- and he is pained greatly by the archers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the war will be heavy to Saul, and the archers, men with the bow, will find him; and he will be greatly wounded from the archers.<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 the whole weight of the battle was turned upon Saul: and the archers overtook him, and he was grievously wounded by the archers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the entire weight of the battle was turned against Saul. And the men who were archers pursued him. And he was severely wounded by the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />the fury of the battle converged on Saul. Then the archers hit him, and he was severely wounded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The battle pressed hard upon Saul; the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by them.<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 the battle was intense against Saul, and the archers overtook him with bows, and he was exceedingly afraid of the archers.<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 battle prevailed against Shaul, and the Archers overtook him with bows, and he was very afraid of the Archers<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 the battle went sore against Saul, an the archers overtook him; and he was in great anguish by reason of the archers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the battle prevails against Saul, and the shooters with arrows, even the archers find him, and he was wounded under the ribs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/31-3.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=9006" 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">2</span>The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: ham·mil·ḥā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">When the battle</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: wat·tiḵ·baḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">intensified</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">against</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/3384.htm" title="3384: ham·mō·w·rîm (Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach.">the archers</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ă·nā·šîm (N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: baq·qā·šeṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: way·yim·ṣā·’u·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">overtook him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3384.htm" title="3384: mê·ham·mō·w·rîm (Prep-m, Art:: N-mp) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2342.htm" title="2342: way·yā·ḥel (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or chiyl; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl, i.e. to dance, to writhe in pain or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert.">and wounded him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">critically.</a> </span><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.…<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/10-3.htm">1 Chronicles 10:3-4</a></span><br />When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. / Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come 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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">2 Samuel 1:6-10</a></span><br />“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. / When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’ / ‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12</a></span><br />he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">1 Samuel 28:19</a></span><br />Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">1 Samuel 14:47-48</a></span><br />After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">1 Samuel 18:6-7</a></span><br />As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">1 Samuel 15:28</a></span><br />So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a></span><br />But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a></span><br />Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">1 Samuel 17:50-51</a></span><br />Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.<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="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">2 Samuel 2:4-7</a></span><br />Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” / So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-4.htm">2 Samuel 5:4-5</a></span><br />David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. / In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-10.htm">1 Kings 2:10-12</a></span><br />Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. / The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. / So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-1.htm">1 Chronicles 12:1-2</a></span><br />Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle; / they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.</p><p class="hdg">went sore</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">2 Samuel 1:4</a></b></br> And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/2-14.htm">Amos 2:14</a></b></br> Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/49-23.htm">Genesis 49:23</a></b></br> The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot <i>at him</i>, and hated him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">1 Kings 22:34</a></b></br> And a <i>certain</i> man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">Badly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-6.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-18.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-11.htm">Find</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-11.htm">Found</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-19.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-6.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-15.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/judges/1-35.htm">Heavily</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">Hit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Overtook</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-6.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-52.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/1-9.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-20.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-23.htm">Badly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-18.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-26.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">Find</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">Found</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-5.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/job/33-7.htm">Heavily</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-3.htm">Hit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm">Overtook</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-30.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-22.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">Severe</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-9.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">Wounded</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 the battle intensified against Saul</b><br>This phrase indicates a turning point in the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during Saul's reign, often engaging in warfare. The intensification of the battle suggests a shift in momentum, likely due to the Philistines' superior military tactics and weaponry, such as their use of iron chariots and advanced metallurgy. Saul's leadership had been faltering due to his disobedience to God, as seen in earlier chapters, which may have contributed to the Israelites' disadvantage. This moment fulfills Samuel's prophecy that Saul's kingdom would not endure (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>).<p><b>the archers overtook him</b><br>The mention of archers highlights the tactical advantage the Philistines had over the Israelites. Archery was a significant component of ancient warfare, allowing for attacks from a distance. The Philistines' ability to deploy skilled archers suggests their military prowess and strategic planning. This detail also underscores Saul's vulnerability and the dire situation for the Israelite forces. The use of archers may symbolize the inescapable judgment that Saul faced, as he could not evade the consequences of his earlier disobedience to God.<p><b>and wounded him critically</b><br>Saul's critical wounding signifies the beginning of the end for his reign and life. This moment is pivotal, as it leads to the eventual rise of David, whom God had chosen to be king. Saul's injury can be seen as a direct result of his failure to fully obey God's commands, particularly in his incomplete destruction of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). The critical nature of his wound also reflects the spiritual state of Israel at the time, as they were in need of a leader who would follow God's will wholeheartedly. Saul's demise foreshadows the coming of a new covenant under David, a type of Christ, who would establish a kingdom characterized by obedience and faithfulness to God.<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. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God and a troubled spirit.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A significant enemy of Israel during Saul's reign. They were a formidable military force and often clashed with the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_gilboa.htm">Mount Gilboa</a></b><br>The location of the battle where Saul and his sons met their demise. It is a significant geographical location in the account of Saul's downfall.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/archers.htm">Archers</a></b><br>The Philistine soldiers who played a crucial role in Saul's defeat by critically wounding him with their arrows.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/battle.htm">Battle</a></b><br>The final confrontation between the Israelites and the Philistines during Saul's reign, leading to a pivotal moment in Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's critical wounding is a culmination of his disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Just as Saul faced physical archers, believers face spiritual battles. We must be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>Saul's failure as a leader highlights the need for leaders who seek God's guidance and adhere to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_providence_in_history.htm">The Role of Providence in History</a></b><br>God's sovereignty is evident even in the midst of defeat. He uses events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the transition from Saul to David.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_tragic_end_of_self-reliance.htm">The Tragic End of Self-Reliance</a></b><br>Saul's reliance on his own strength and decisions led to his downfall. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's strength and wisdom.<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_do_skeptics_reconcile_saul's_death.htm">How do skeptics reconcile "the LORD put him to death" (1 Chronicles 10:14) with the naturalistic account of Saul's death in 1 Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_chr_10_13_blame_saul's_death.htm">Why does 1 Chronicles 10:13 emphasize Saul’s death as punishment for consulting a medium, when 1 Samuel 31 attributes his defeat primarily to the Philistine assault? </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/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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">And the battle went sore against Saul.</span>--That is, after the death of Jonathan and his brothers. The great warrior king no doubt fought like a lion, but one by one his brave defenders fell in harness by his side; and the enemy seems to have directed their principal attention, at this period of the fight, to killing or capturing the famous Saul.<p><span class= "bld">And the archers hit him.</span>--It would seem as though, in that deadly combat, none could strike down that giant kingly form, so the archers--literally, as in the margin of our Version, <span class= "ital">shooters, men with bows, </span>skilful shots--were told off, and these, aiming at the warrior towering above the other combatants, with the crown on his head (<a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm" title="So I stood on him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was on his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.">2Samuel 1:10</a>), hit him.<p><span class= "bld">And he was sore wounded by the archers.</span>--This is the usual rendering of the word, but the more accurate translation is, <span class= "ital">He was sore afraid </span>(or was greatly alarmed at them): so Gesenius, Keil, Lange, &c. All seemed against him. His army was routed, his sons were dead, his faithful captains and companions were gone, and these bow-men were shooting at him from a distance where his strong arm could not reach them. Gradually weakened through loss of blood--perhaps with the words he had heard only a few hours before at En-dor from the dead prophet ringing in his ears, "To-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me"--the great undaunted courage at last failed him, and he turned to his armourbearer, who was still by his side.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 3, 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The archers.</span> Literally, as in the margin, "shooters, men with bows." As the first word would equally apply to men who threw javelins, the explanation is added to make the meaning clear. <span class="cmt_word">Hit him.</span> Literally, "found him, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> found out his position, and came up to where he was. <span class="cmt_word">He was sore wounded.</span> Rather, "he was sore distressed." In <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Deuteronomy 2:25</a> the verb is rendered "be in anguish." The meaning is that Saul, finding himself surrounded by these archers, and that he could neither escape nor come to close quarters with them, and die fighting, ordered his armour bearer to kill him, that he might be spared the degradation of being slain by "uncircumcised" heathen. <span class="cmt_word">Abuse me.</span> This verb is translated <span class="accented">mock</span> in <a href="/jeremiah/38-19.htm">Jeremiah 38:19</a>. "Maltreat" would be a better rendering in both places, and also in <a href="/judges/19-25.htm">Judges 19:25</a>, where, too, the word occurs. Its exact meaning is to practise upon another all that passion, lust, anger, or malice dictate. Probably Saul thought that they would treat him as they had previously treated Samson (<a href="/judges/16-21.htm">Judges 16:21-25</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/31-3.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 the battle</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּלְחָמָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">intensified</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּכְבַּ֤ד</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiḵ·baḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֔וּל</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">the archers</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמּוֹרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mō·w·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">overtook him</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּמְצָאֻ֥הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yim·ṣā·’u·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wounded him</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥חֶל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḥel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert</span><br /><br /><span class="word">critically.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/31-3.htm">1 Samuel 31:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 31:3 The battle went sore against Saul (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:4" /></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>