1 Chronicles 10:5
And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נֹשֵֽׂא
And when his armourbearer
H5375
נֹשֵֽׂא
And when his armourbearer
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
2 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
כֵלָ֖יו
H3627
כֵלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
3 of 12
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וַיָּמֹֽת׃
and died
H4191
וַיָּמֹֽת׃
and died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
5 of 12
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
he fell
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל
he fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
7 of 12
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
ה֛וּא
H1931
ה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Mount Gilboa (c. 1010 BC) was the site where Saul's dynasty ended and David's began. The Chronicler uses this event to explain the monarchy transition as divine verdict, not political accident. This theological interpretation helped exilic Jews understand leadership and covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does loyalty to human leaders sometimes blind us to their spiritual failures?
- What warnings does Saul's death offer about the consequences of persistent disobedience?
Analysis & Commentary
And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword—The Hebrew verb naphal ('fell') implies both physical collapse and moral failure. This unnamed servant's loyalty unto death mirrors Jonathan's earlier devotion (1 Sam 14:7), showing how Saul inspired fierce devotion despite his spiritual decline.
The parallel with Judas (Matthew 27:5) is striking—both deaths represent covenant failure and divine rejection. Yet while 1 Samuel 31 provides military details, Chronicles emphasizes theological judgment: Saul died for his unfaithfulness (ma'al, v.13). The armor-bearer's death symbolizes how a leader's spiritual failure carries consequences for those who follow.