1 Samuel 31:1-13

The Wasted Life

Introduction: (v.1) The Philistines and the Israelites were fighting in Mount Gilboa

A continuation of the story from chapter 28 - a big war is about to happen.

Problem: (vv.1-6) The Israelites were defeated resulting to Saul killing himself.

The Philistines killed Saul’s son - Jonathan and Abinadab, and Malchi-sua.

Saul was hit by an arrow from the archers.

Saul asked his armor bearer to kill him with a sword but the armor bearer was afraid and refused.

Realization: Godless life will result to godless resolution - suicide - hopelessness.

Saul took his sword and fell on it (v.4) Suicide - a sin in the Bible.

God fulfilled his word as spoken by Prophet Samuel in 28:19

Rising action: (v.7) The Israelites living near Mount Gilboa saw that the army of Israel was defeated and they fled and abandoned their cities.

- The Philistines came and lived in them.

Climax: (vv.8-10) The Philistines desecrated Saul’s body.

sent his head and weapons throughout the land of the Philistines.

“carry the good news”

fastened his body to the wall - as a trophy, and to shame Saul and the Israelites.

- Realization: Rejection of God will lead to devastation (no blessing)

Resolution: (vv.11-12) The brave men of Jabesh-gilead took the bodies of Saul and his sons and burned them.

They are from the tribe of Benjamin like Saul.

Conclusion: (v.13) The took their bones and laid them to rest and they fasted 7 days.

They stole their bodies and burned them and then buried their bones out of respect for Saul and the royal family.

Which later, David rewarded them for their bravery and respect for Saul and Jonathan. 2 Samuel 2:4 -7

Character analysis:

Protagonist: God, who kept His word by taking Saul’s life. God was patient with Saul, but death would come to Saul because of his unforgiven sins. God rejected Saul because Saul kept on rejecting God’s Word.

Antagonist: Saul, who has been defying God. Rejection of God will lead to devastation (no blessing)

Sin leads to spiraling direction that ultimately ends in devastation.

Foil: Philistine armies, God used them to fulfill God’s plan in removing Saul.

What: Israel was defeated by the Philistine armies that resulted to the death of many including Saul and his sons as a result of Saul’s rejection of God.

Why: To fulfill the word of the Lord to remove Saul from the throne, vacating it for David, the man after God’s own heart - a man who submits to God.

Gospel:

We all act like Saul, we rejected God’s Word. We don’t obey God’s Word. We all deserved to be punished like Saul. But God has been so patient with us…and here is the good news, when we stop hardening our hearts and we repent of our sins, God is able and willing to forgive us.

1 John 1:8–9“8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

and remove our punishments: Ephesians 1:7“7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” ;

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Wasted Life:

Living with the world in mind (fame, power, wealth) - As oppposed to living with heaven in mind.

- Saul was rich in earthly possession but he can’t bring his possessions with him after death)

- Saul was not rich in the things of God - He does not have a good relationship with God.

2. Living for self -glory - As opposed to living for God’s glory - Saul’s glory faded in his death - He was remembered as a tyrant king.

3. Living as enemy of God - As opposed to living as a friend of God.