Keraia
1 Samuel 31

1 Samuel 31:1

Saul’s Overthrow and Death · 1 Samuel 31:1–6
Read 1 Samuel 31

Translations

Modern
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
Traditional
Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
Literal
And the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
Latin
Philisthiim autem pugnabant adversum Israël: et fugerunt viri Israël ante faciem Philisthiim, et ceciderunt interfecti in monte Gelboë.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa.

Notes

1 Samuel 31:1

  • The Israelites fled southeast from the Valley of Jezreel (1 Samuel 29:1) to higher and hillier areas. With their chariots, the Philistines had the advantage in the more level valley.

  • Mount Gilboa is southwest of the Sea of Galilee, far from the territory of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 31:1–13

While David was in the south successfully fighting the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30), Saul was in the north unsuccessfully fighting the Philistines.

Theme notes and profiles

Saul The Philistines

Events

Parallels

2 Samuel 1:1–16 1 Chronicles 10:1–6

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Mount Gilboa: A mountain range where Saul and his sons died Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Armageddon David History of Israel Jerusalem Mephibosheth Mount Gilboa Philistia, Philistines Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul Shunem

Topics

Archery: Practiced by the Philistines David: King of Israel: Death and Burial of Saul and his Sons Gilboa: A Hill South of Jezreel, where Saul Was Defeated by the Philistines, and Died Israel: Israel Defeated by the Philistines, and Saul and his Sons are Killed Jezreel: A Valley: Place of the Defeat of the Israelites Under Saul and Jonathan Mountains: Gilboa Philistines: Defeat the Israelites and Kill Saul and his Sons Saul: King of Israel is Defeated, and is Killed with some of his Sons Saul: King of Israel: Their Bodies Exposed in Beth-Shan The Philistines: Israel Defeated By, and Saul Slain