1 Chronicles 10:13

Authorized King James Version

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So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;

Original Language Analysis

וַיָּ֣מָת died H4191
וַיָּ֣מָת died
Strong's: H4191
Word #: 1 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
שָׁא֗וּל So Saul H7586
שָׁא֗וּל So Saul
Strong's: H7586
Word #: 2 of 16
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
בְּמַֽעֲלוֹ֙ which he committed H4603
בְּמַֽעֲלוֹ֙ which he committed
Strong's: H4603
Word #: 3 of 16
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מָעַ֣ל for his transgression H4604
מָעַ֣ל for his transgression
Strong's: H4604
Word #: 5 of 16
treachery, i.e., sin
יְהוָ֖ה against the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה against the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דְּבַ֥ר even against the word H1697
דְּבַ֥ר even against the word
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 8 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה against the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה against the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 10 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמָ֑ר which he kept H8104
שָׁמָ֑ר which he kept
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 12 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְגַם H1571
וְגַם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 13 of 16
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לִשְׁא֥וֹל not and also for asking H7592
לִשְׁא֥וֹל not and also for asking
Strong's: H7592
Word #: 14 of 16
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
בָּא֖וֹב counsel of one that had a familiar spirit H178
בָּא֖וֹב counsel of one that had a familiar spirit
Strong's: H178
Word #: 15 of 16
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
לִדְרֽוֹשׁ׃ to enquire H1875
לִדְרֽוֹשׁ׃ to enquire
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 16 of 16
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

Analysis & Commentary

Saul's death is attributed directly to his unfaithfulness (Hebrew: ma'al, meaning 'treachery' or 'covenant violation'). The Chronicler emphasizes God's active sovereignty in removing Saul and transferring the kingdom to David. This divine judgment demonstrates that human kingship in Israel is subordinate to God's ultimate rule. The phrase 'the LORD slew him' removes any ambiguity about secondary causes - while Philistines were involved, God orchestrated Saul's end as covenant judgment. This Reformed principle of divine sovereignty over human affairs, even in judgment, prefigures Christ as the King who perfectly obeys where Saul failed.

Historical Context

Written for post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), the Chronicler reinterprets earlier accounts from Samuel-Kings to emphasize theological lessons. Unlike Samuel's detailed narrative of Saul's reign, Chronicles presents only his death, focusing readers on David's legitimacy as God's chosen king and the importance of covenant faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection