1 Samuel – Chapter 31

Old Testament13 Verses

1And the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gelboe.

2And the Philistines fell upon Saul, and upon his sons, and they slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchisua, the sons of Saul.

3And the whole weight of the battle was turned upon Saul: and the archers overtook him, and he was grievously wounded by the archers.

4Then Saul said to his armourbearer: Draw thy sword, and kill me: lest these uncircumcised come, and slay me, and mock at me. And his armourbearer would not: for he was struck with exceeding great fear. Then Saul took his sword, and fell upon it.

5And when his armourbearer saw this, to wit, that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him.

6So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men that same day together.

7And the men of Israel, that were beyond the valley, and beyond the Jordan, seeing that the Israelites were fled, and that Saul was dead, and his sons, forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt there.

8And on the morrow the Philistines came to strip the slain, and they found Saul and his three sons lying in mount Gelboe.

9And they cut off Saul's head, and stripped him of his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the temples of their idols and among their people.

10And they put his armour in the temple of Astaroth, but his body they hung on the wall of Bethsan.

11Now when the inhabitants of Jabes Galaad had heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,

12All 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.

13And they took their bones, and buried them in the wood of Jabes: and fasted seven days.

Reflection for Today

In 1 Samuel Chapter 31, we find timeless wisdom that applies to every generation. The challenges and triumphs described here mirror our own experiences, showing us that God's love and guidance are constant throughout human history. As you read these verses, consider how the principles and promises contained here can strengthen your faith and guide your decisions today. The God who was faithful to the people in this chapter is the same God who is faithful to you now. Let these words encourage you to trust in His promises and to live according to His truth.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings