1 Chronicles 10:13

Authorized King James Version

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;

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection