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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 31:12 all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. 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When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/31-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/31-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm" title="1 Samuel 31:11">◄</a> 1 Samuel 31:12 <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm" title="1 Samuel 31:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31.htm">New International Version</a> all their valiant men marched through the night to Beth Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31.htm">New Living Translation</a> all their mighty warriors traveled through the night to Beth-shan and took the bodies of Saul and his sons down from the wall. They brought them to Jabesh, where they burned the bodies. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Standard Version</a> all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31.htm">King James Bible</a> All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/31.htm">New King James Version</a> all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> all the valiant men got up and walked all night, and they took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1995</a> all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a> all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh, and burned them there. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so all the valiant men arose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a> all the brave men stood and walked all night, and they took the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and cremated them there. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> all their brave men set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> all their brave men set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/31.htm">American Standard Version</a> all the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan; and they came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So one night, some brave men from Jabesh went to Beth-Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons, then brought them back to Jabesh and burned them. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Revised Version</a> all the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan; and they came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> all the fighting men marched all night and took the dead bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth Shan. They came back to Jabesh and burned the bodies there. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/31.htm">Good News Translation</a> the bravest men started out and marched all night to Beth Shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall, brought them back to Jabesh, and burned them there. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/31.htm">International Standard Version</a> every valiant soldier got up, traveled all night, and removed Saul's body and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. Then they went to Jabesh and cremated the bodies there. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. <a href="/net/1_samuel/31.htm">NET Bible</a> all their warriors set out and traveled throughout the night. They took Saul's corpse and the corpses of his sons from the city wall of Beth Shan and went to Jabesh, where they burned them. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan, and brought them to Jabesh and burnt them there. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. <a href="/web/1_samuel/31.htm">World English Bible</a> all the valiant men arose, went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and all the men of valor arise, and go all the night, and take the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, from the wall of Beth-Shan, and come to Jabesh, and burn them there, <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and all the men of valour arise, and go all the night, and take the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, from the wall of Beth-Shan, and come in to Jabesh, and burn them there, <a href="/slt/1_samuel/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they will rise, every man of strength, and go all night and take the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the walls of the House of Quiet, and come to Jabesh, and burn them there.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> All the most valiant men arose, and walked all the night, and took the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, from the wall of Bethsan: and they came to Jabes Galaad, and burnt them there: <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> all the most valiant men rose up, and they walked all night, and they took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan. And they went to Jabesh Gilead, and they burned them there. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Bible</a> all their warriors set out and traveled through the night; they removed the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and, returning to Jabesh, burned them. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> all the valiant men set out, traveled all night long, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. They came to Jabesh and burned them there.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> All the valiant men arose and marched all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-jashan, and brought them to Jabesh and burnt them there. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they arose, every mighty man, and they went all night and they took the body of Shaul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bayth Yashan and they brought them to Yabish and burned them there<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> all the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan; and they came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they rose up, even every man of might, and marched all night, and took the body of Saul and the body of Jonathan his son from the wall of Baethsam; and they bring them to Jabis, and burn them there. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=9101" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Jabesh-gilead's Tribute to Saul</a> 11When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12<a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">their men</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥa·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">of valor</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qū·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">set out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">journeyed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: hal·lay·lāh (Art:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">night,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and retrieved</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1472.htm" title="1472: gə·wî·yaṯ (N-fsc) -- A body, corpse. Prolonged for gevah; a body, whether alive or dead.">the bodies</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.">of Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1472.htm" title="1472: gə·wî·yōṯ (N-fpc) -- A body, corpse. Prolonged for gevah; a body, whether alive or dead.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">his sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: mê·ḥō·w·maṯ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">from the wall</a> <a href="/hebrew/1052.htm" title="1052: bêṯ (Prep) -- Or Beyth Shan; from bayith and sha'an; house of ease; Beth-Shean or Beth-Shan, a place in Palestine.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1052.htm" title="1052: šān (N-proper-fs) -- Or Beyth Shan; from bayith and sha'an; house of ease; Beth-Shean or Beth-Shan, a place in Palestine.">Beth-shan.</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">When they arrived</a> <a href="/hebrew/3003.htm" title="3003: yā·ḇê·šāh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A place in Gilead, also an Isr. The same as yabesh; Jobesh, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine.">at Jabesh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8313.htm" title="8313: way·yiś·rə·p̄ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To burn. A primitive root; to be on fire.">they burned</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">the bodies there.</a> 13Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">2 Samuel 2:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/1_chronicles/10-12.htm">1 Chronicles 10:12</a> all their men of valor set out and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days. <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12-14</a> 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. / So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, and they also gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. / And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. <a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">1 Kings 21:13-14</a> And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. / Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.” <a href="/genesis/50-10.htm">Genesis 50:10-11</a> When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days. / When the Canaanites of the land saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a solemn ceremony of mourning by the Egyptians.” Thus the place across the Jordan is called Abel-mizraim. <a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11-12</a> Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. <a href="/2_kings/9-34.htm">2 Kings 9:34-37</a> Then Jehu went in and ate and drank. “Take care of this cursed woman,” he said, “and bury her, for she was the daughter of a king.” / But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. / So they went back and told Jehu, who replied, “This is the word of the LORD, which He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour the flesh of Jezebel. ... <a href="/matthew/14-12.htm">Matthew 14:12</a> Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus. <a href="/acts/8-2.htm">Acts 8:2</a> God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. <a href="/john/19-38.htm">John 19:38-42</a> Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. / Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. / So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. ... <a href="/mark/6-29.htm">Mark 6:29</a> When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb. <a href="/luke/23-50.htm">Luke 23:50-53</a> Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, / who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. ... <a href="/genesis/23-2.htm">Genesis 23:2-4</a> She died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went out to mourn and to weep for her. / Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites, / “I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.” <a href="/joshua/24-29.htm">Joshua 24:29-30</a> Some time later, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died at the age of 110. / And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. <a href="/judges/16-31.htm">Judges 16:31</a> Then Samson’s brothers and his father’s family came down, carried him back, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father Manoah. And he had judged Israel twenty years.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.burnt them there<a href="/2_chronicles/16-14.htm">2 Chronicles 16:14</a> And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.<a href="/jeremiah/34-5.htm">Jeremiah 34:5</a> But thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odours for thee; and they will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.<a href="/amos/6-10.htm">Amos 6:10</a> And a man's uncle shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that is by the sides of the house, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/29-10.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Bethshan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Beth-Shan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-46.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-3.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/judges/17-8.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-25.htm">Night</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-11.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Shan</a> <a href="/judges/19-10.htm">Travelling</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-15.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-18.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-23.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-10.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">Beth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">Bethshan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">Beth-Shan</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">Body</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-30.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-21.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-17.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-17.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-8.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-29.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">Shan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm">Travelling</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-7.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-7.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-29.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 31</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Saul, having lost his army, and his sons slain, </a> 4. <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">he and his armor bearer kill themselves.</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">The Philistines possess the forsaken towns of the Israelites</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">They triumph over the dead bodies</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">They of Jabesh Gilead recovering the dead bodies by night, </a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">burn them at Jabesh, </a> 13. <a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">and mournfully bury their bodies.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>all their men of valor set out The men of Jabesh-gilead were known for their bravery and loyalty, particularly to Saul, who had once delivered them from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11). This act of valor reflects their gratitude and respect for Saul, despite his tragic end. The term "men of valor" indicates not only physical strength but also courage and moral integrity, qualities highly esteemed in Israelite society.journeyed all night The urgency and dedication of the men are highlighted by their willingness to travel under the cover of darkness. This nocturnal journey suggests a strategic move to avoid confrontation with the Philistines, who had occupied the area. It also underscores the risk they were willing to take to honor Saul and his sons, reflecting a deep sense of duty and loyalty.and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan Beth-shan was a significant city in the Jezreel Valley, strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes. The Philistines had displayed the bodies as a public humiliation of Israel and its king. Retrieving the bodies was an act of defiance against the Philistines and a restoration of dignity to Saul and his sons. This act also fulfilled the cultural and religious obligation to ensure proper burial, which was crucial in Israelite tradition.When they arrived at Jabesh Jabesh-gilead was located east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gilead. The connection between Jabesh-gilead and Saul was strong due to his earlier deliverance of the city. The return to Jabesh signifies a full circle of loyalty and respect, as the people of Jabesh-gilead repay Saul's past kindness with their own.they burned the bodies there Cremation was not a common practice in Israelite culture, where burial was the norm. However, in this context, burning the bodies may have been a practical decision to prevent further desecration by the Philistines or due to the condition of the bodies after being exposed. This act ensured that the remains were treated with respect and safeguarded from further dishonor.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/v/valiant_men_of_jabesh-gilead.htm">Valiant Men of Jabesh-gilead</a> These were brave warriors from Jabesh-gilead who risked their lives to honor King Saul and his sons by retrieving their bodies. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, whose tragic end came in battle against the Philistines. His body was desecrated by the enemy. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sons_of_saul.htm">Sons of Saul</a> Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, who died alongside their father in battle. 4. <a href="/topical/b/beth-shan.htm">Beth-shan</a> A city where the Philistines displayed the bodies of Saul and his sons as a sign of victory. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jabesh-gilead.htm">Jabesh-gilead</a> A city with a history of loyalty to Saul, as he had previously rescued them from the Ammonites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_and_loyalty.htm">Courage and Loyalty</a> The men of Jabesh-gilead exemplify courage and loyalty, risking their lives to honor their fallen king. This teaches us the importance of standing by our commitments and showing respect even in difficult circumstances. <a href="/topical/r/respect_for_the_dead.htm">Respect for the Dead</a> The retrieval and proper treatment of Saul's body highlight the biblical principle of honoring the dead. This can be applied today in how we show respect and dignity in our treatment of others, even after death. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_remembrance.htm">Legacy and Remembrance</a> Saul's previous actions in saving Jabesh-gilead created a legacy that inspired loyalty even after his death. Our actions today can leave a lasting impact on others, encouraging us to live in a way that honors God and others. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a> Despite Saul's failures, God used his life and death to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us that God is sovereign over leaders and nations, and His plans will prevail.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 31</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_cremation.htm">What is the Bible's stance on cremation?</a> <a href="/q/should_one_choose_burial_or_cremation.htm">Should one choose burial or cremation?</a> <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 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><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>(12) And burnt them there.--This "burning the corpse" was never the custom in Israel, and was restricted to criminals convicted of a crime of the deepest dye (<a href="/leviticus/20-14.htm" title="And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.">Leviticus 20:14</a>). The Jews in all cases buried their dead. The Chaldee therefore interpret the words relating this act of the men of Jabesh-Gilead, in the case of Saul and the princes, as referring to the solemn burning of spices, a ceremony which was afterwards performed at the burial of some of the kings of Judah. (See <a href="/2_chronicles/16-14.htm" title="And they buried him in his own sepulchers, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' are: and they made a very great burning for him.">2Chronicles 16:14</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/21-19.htm" title="And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.">2Chronicles 21:19</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/34-5.htm" title="But you shall die in peace: and with the burnings of your fathers, the former kings which were before you, so shall they burn odors for you; and they will lament you, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, said the LORD.">Jeremiah 34:5</a>.) But the language used in these cases is different; here it is expressly stated that "they burnt them." The reason for their thus acting is clear. The mutilated trunks had been exposed for some days to the air, and the flesh was no doubt in a state of putrefaction. The flesh here only was burned. The bones (see next verse) were reverently and lovingly preserved, and laid to rest beneath the friendly shade of the great tamarisk tree of Jabesh.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 12, 13. - They burnt them. Cremation, though highly honourable among classical nations, is here mentioned for the first time in Holy Scripture, and was probably resorted to on this occasion to insure the bodies of Saul and his sons against further maltreatment, as, if buried, the Philistines might have made the attempt to get them again into their power. Some suppose that the burning of the dead was afterwards practised by the Jews, and quote in its favour <a href="/2_chronicles/16-14.htm">2 Chronicles 16:14</a>; <a href="/isaiah/33-12.htm">Isaiah 33:12</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/31-40.htm">Jeremiah 31:40</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/34-5.htm">Jeremiah 34:5</a>; <a href="/amos/6-10.htm">Amos 6:10</a>, but these passages bear a different interpretation. After the exile, interment was the sole method of disposing of the dead among the Jews, and in the Talmud cremation is condemned as a heathen practice. The burial of the bones of Saul and his sons proves that their bodies here were really burnt. Under a tree. Hebrew, "under the tamarisk," the famous tree of that species at Jabesh. It was under one tamarisk that Saul commanded the massacre of the priests (<a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">1 Samuel 22:6</a>), and now his bones are placed in rest beneath another. Perhaps the people remembered the king's fondness for trees. For the final fate of these relics see <a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12-14</a>. They fasted seven days (see <a href="/genesis/1-10.htm">Genesis 1:10</a>). The time of mourning was thirty days for Aaron (<a href="/numbers/20-29.htm">Numbers 20:29</a>) and for Moses (<a href="/deuteronomy/34-8.htm">Deuteronomy 34:8</a>). The Talmudic rule is strict mourning for seven days, less strict for the next twenty-three, in all thirty; and for a father or mother mourning was continued for a year. The fasting was mourning of the strictest kind, and proves that the people of Jabesh-Gilead honored to the utmost their deliverer. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every their valiant warriors אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person set out, וַיָּק֜וּמוּ (way·yā·qū·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand journeyed וַיֵּלְכ֣וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk all כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every night, הַלַּיְלָה֒ (hal·lay·lāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity and retrieved וַיִּקְח֞וּ (way·yiq·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take the bodies גְּוִיַּ֣ת (gə·wî·yaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1472.htm">Strong's 1472: </a> A body, corpse of Saul שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites [and] גְּוִיֹּ֣ת (gə·wî·yōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1472.htm">Strong's 1472: </a> A body, corpse his sons בָּנָ֔יו (bā·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son from the wall מֵחוֹמַ֖ת (mê·ḥō·w·maṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> A wall of protection of בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Beth-shan. שָׁ֑ן (šān) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1052.htm">Strong's 1052: </a> Beth-shean -- 'place of quiet', a place in Manasseh, West of the Jordan When they arrived וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go at Jabesh, יָבֵ֔שָׁה (yā·ḇê·šāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3003.htm">Strong's 3003: </a> Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite they burned וַיִּשְׂרְפ֥וּ (way·yiś·rə·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8313.htm">Strong's 8313: </a> To be, on fire the bodies there. שָֽׁם׃ (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/31-12.htm">1 Samuel 31:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 31:12 All the valiant men arose and went (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:13" /></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>