Keraia
1 Samuel 31

1 Samuel 31:9

The Philistines Possess the Towns · 1 Samuel 31:7–10
Read 1 Samuel 31

Translations

Modern
They cut off Saul’s head, stripped off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temples of their idols and among their people.
Traditional
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.
Literal
And they cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and they sent into the land of the Philistines all around, to proclaim it in the temple of their idols and among the people.
Latin
Et præciderunt caput Saul, et spoliaverunt eum armis: et miserunt in terram Philisthinorum per circuitum, ut annuntiaretur in templo idolorum, et in populis.

Original

Hebrew
English
They cut off Saul’s head, stripped off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temples of their idols and among their people.

Notes

1 Samuel 31:9

In the ancient world, people saw the death of an enemy king as good news. They believed it meant that the enemy’s god had been defeated. The Philistines did not realize that their victory would not last and would bring them no real gain. David, the Lord’s true anointed king, would soon come to power and defeat the Philistines. Instead of defeating Israel’s God, the Philistines were unknowingly carrying out his purpose.

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

1 Chronicles 10:7–10

Places

Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Armageddon Crucifixion David Gilead (Place) Jabesh, Jabesh-Gilead (Place) Jerusalem Philistia, Philistines Samuel, Books of First and Second Shunem

Topics

Head of Enemies Slain in War, often Cut off The Philistines: Israel Defeated By, and Saul Slain Trophies: Saul's