Chapter 31

1And to [them] which [were] in Hebron, and {n} to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt.
(n) Showing himself mindful of their benefits towards him.

4Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, {a} Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
(a) So we see that his cruel life has a desperate end, as is commonly seen in those who persecute the children of God.

7And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of the {b} valley, and [they] that [were] on the other side {c} Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.
(b) Near to Gilboa. (c) The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.

9And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to {d} publish [it in] the house of their idols, and among the people.
(d) In token of victory and triumph.

11And when the inhabitants of {e} Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;
(e) Whom he had delivered from their enemies, 1Sa 11:11.

13And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, and {f} fasted seven days.
(f) According to the custom of mourners.