“And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.”
Context:To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to consider the context of the chapter. In 1 Samuel 31, we find the account of the tragic end of Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul, along with his sons, engaged in a battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. The battle turned against Israel, and Saul and his sons were slain. In verse 8, we learn that the following day, the Philistines returned to strip the bodies of Saul and his sons and place their armor in the temple of Ashtaroth while fastening Saul’s decapitated body to the wall of Beth-shan.
Honoring the Dead:Verse 13 begins with the phrase, “And they took their bones.” The “they” in this verse refers to the valiant men from the town of Jabesh-gilead. These men exhibited great bravery by rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. Despite the apparent defeat of Saul and the monarchy, these men showed respect and honor for the deceased king and his family.
Burial at Jabesh:The valiant men took the bones of Saul and his sons to Jabesh and buried them under a tree. This act of burying the bones demonstrates the importance of proper burial and the significance placed on giving the dead a respectful resting place. By burying Saul and his sons, the people of Jabesh ensured that their bodies were treated with dignity and not left exposed or desecrated.
Mourning Period:Following the burial, the people of Jabesh observed a period of mourning by fasting for seven days. Fasting was a common practice in ancient Israel during times of mourning, expressing grief and sorrow. The seven‑day period was a significant period of mourning and reflection.
Respect and Honor:The actions of the valiant men from Jabesh-gilead in burying the remains of Saul and his sons demonstrate the importance of respect and honor, even in the face of defeat. Despite Saul’s flaws and failures as a king, these men showed reverence for the position Saul held and the sacrifices he made for Israel.
Closure and Mourning:By burying Saul and his sons and observing a seven‑day period of fasting, the people of Jabesh-gilead found closure in their grief. The mourning period allowed them to reflect on the loss and acknowledge the end of an era, as Saul’s reign came to an abrupt conclusion.
Faithfulness and Unity:The valiant men’s actions displayed faithfulness and unity within Israel. Despite Saul’s demise, they remained loyal to their fallen king and his family. Their brave act demonstrated solidarity and a commitment to honor even in times of despair.
Overall, 1 Samuel 31:13 teaches us about the importance of respecting the dead, providing proper burials, and observing periods of mourning. It highlights the significance of honoring those who have gone before us and finding closure in times of loss.
