1Sa 31:8-9 | KingComments | STEP | Saul has not fulfilled his mission to deliver the land of Israel from the Philistines. On the contrary, when he has died, the Philistines come and live in the cities abandoned by the Israelites. What Saul had wanted to prevent in his pride, that he would be mocked, happens to him (cf. ). He escaped the torments of the Philistines by his suicide, but they defaced his body by beheading it. When he was introduced to the people, it appeared that he stood head and shoulders above the people ( ). The people have therefore applauded him and greeted him as their hero. His enemies have let his head go through the land like a trophy and bring the joyful message of victory into the house of their idols and to the people. They fasten his body on the wall of Beth-shan as a sign of reproach.

‏ 1 Samuel 31:8-9

The Philistines Celebrate the Victory

Saul has not fulfilled his mission to deliver the land of Israel from the Philistines. On the contrary, when he has died, the Philistines come and live in the cities abandoned by the Israelites. What Saul had wanted to prevent in his pride, that he would be mocked, happens to him (cf. Jdg 16:25). He escaped the torments of the Philistines by his suicide, but they defaced his body by beheading it.

When he was introduced to the people, it appeared that he stood head and shoulders above the people (1Sam 10:23). The people have therefore applauded him and greeted him as their hero. His enemies have let his head go through the land like a trophy and bring the joyful message of victory into the house of their idols and to the people. They fasten his body on the wall of Beth-shan as a sign of reproach.