“Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, 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.”
1 Samuel 31:4 is part of the account of the death of King Saul, the first king of Israel. This verse depicts the tragic end of Saul’s life, highlighting his desperate situation and his decision to take his own life.
Context:Before examining this verse, it is essential to understand the context leading up to this event. Throughout the book of 1 Samuel, we read about Saul’s rise and fall as king. Saul initially had God’s favour, but due to his disobedience and lack of repentance, God rejected him as king and chose David as his successor (1 Samuel 15:23).
In chapter 31, the Israelites are at war with the Philistines. The Philistines launch a major attack against Israel, resulting in the death of Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, and the Israelite army being defeated. Saul and his remaining troops are cornered and facing imminent capture or death.
Saul’s Request:In verse 4, Saul addresses his armorbearer and instructs him to draw his sword and kill him. Saul is aware that if he falls into the hands of the Philistines, they will mistreat and abuse him. He believes that a swift death at his own hand is preferable to enduring the humiliation and suffering he anticipates from his enemies.
Saul’s request reveals his deep despair and hopelessness. He has lost the support of God and is facing the consequences of his actions. Instead of seeking repentance or relying on God’s mercy, he chooses to take matters into his own hands.
The Armorbearer’s Response:However, the armorbearer refuses to carry out Saul’s request. The text states that he was “sore afraid.” The armorbearer’s fear might have been twofold: fear of disobeying the king’s command and fear of the Philistines. Regardless of the specific reason, the armorbearer’s refusal to kill Saul demonstrates his loyalty and unwillingness to harm the king, even in such desperate circumstances.
Saul’s Suicide:Since the armorbearer refuses to fulfill his request, Saul takes matters into his own hands. He takes a sword and falls upon it, effectively taking his own life. This action signifies the tragic end of Saul’s reign and his personal struggle.
It is essential to note that suicide is not condoned or encouraged in the Bible. Saul’s suicide reflects his despair and the consequences of his actions rather than being presented as a righteous or honourable act.
Overall, 1 Samuel 31:4 serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences that can result from a life lived apart from God and a heart that refuses to repent. Saul’s story highlights the importance of obedience to God and the dangers of allowing despair and hopelessness to consume one’s life.
