August 6, 2025
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Reading along with us in 1 Samuel and Mark? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 31 (NIV)
Saul Takes His Life
1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; the Israelites fled before them, and many fell dead on Mount Gilboa. 2 The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. 3 The fighting grew fierce around Saul, and when the archers overtook him, they wounded him critically.….Continue Reading
A tragic end to Saul’s story with the death of him and all his sons. Of course we know God was making a way for David to take the throne and this left no sons of Saul to challenge him for it. More sad that even though Saul knew of this coming end, he still did not cry out to God, seek repentance, or even pray. He just fell on his own sword once again trying to take things into his own hands.
A very sad end indeed. Saul is still thinking of himself and what may happen to him and thereby puts an undo burden on his armor bearer. Although critically wounded, Saul takes his own life. He will still be where Samuel is as Samuel assured him, but a selfish and tragic end for anyone who is overcome by life circumstances and makes that choice. There is always hope and promise in God and all that He has for us and what He seeks to do through us. Life and death is in His hands and not our own. It is also sad to see Jonathan’s life ended in battle. But it was a noble and brave thing that the men of Jabesh did for Saul.
Mark 15
1 Samuel 31
1 Samuel 31
Mark 15; 1 Samuel 31
1 Samuel 30 and 31
”So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.“
1 Samuel 31:6 KJV