# 1 Samuel Chapter 31
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## Summary
The Philistines fight Israel and the men of Israel flee before them. The Philistines overtake Saul and his sons. Saul seeks assistance from his armour bearer to end his life but his Armour bearer will not harm Saul. Saul therefore commits suicide, with his Armour bearer following suit immediately after.

Upon the death of Saul the men of Israel flee their cities which are invaded and inhabited by the Philistines. The Philistines upon discovering the body of Saul mutilate and display their grisley trophy. Godly men upon hearing what has happened go by night to take the body and remove it to Jabesh where they burn his body and bury him under the tamarisk tree.

## Summarium Meditatio
Chapter 31 in some sense is the consummation of Chapter 8. Saul has cost the people everything. Charged with the defense of Israel it is expected that Saul will deliver them, as he always has done, from the Philistine threat. Yet he fails to do so and does not even live to content with the consequences. Instead his body is mutilated and displayed as a trophy of his failed premiership.

Now Israel are forced to relinquish their cities to the Philistines, their places of work, thier homes and means for subsistence. Whilst Saul did not take these from them directly his government failed to secure their protection. Worse still David the warrior who might have stood against the Philistines was driven from Sauls presence. In some sense Saul undermined himself and brought about his own destruction.

It is a hard lesson for the people of Israel. Yet they still honour Saul as King and valient men take action to secure him in death respect and dignity. Yet the people must continue to live with Sauls humiliation long after Sauls own humiliation is addressed.

[^1]: See [1 Samuel 8:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+8%3A18&version=ESV)
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