1 Samuel 31:12
All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּק֜וּמוּ
arose
H6965
וַיָּק֜וּמוּ
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 22
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֣ישׁ
men
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 22
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
חַיִל֮
All the valiant
H2428
חַיִל֮
All the valiant
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
4 of 22
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 22
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַלַּיְלָה֒
all night
H3915
הַלַּיְלָה֒
all night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
וַיִּקְח֞וּ
and took
H3947
וַיִּקְח֞וּ
and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
8 of 22
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנָ֔יו
of his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֔יו
of his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
and came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
and came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
18 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יָבֵ֔שָׁה
to Jabesh
H3003
יָבֵ֔שָׁה
to Jabesh
Strong's:
H3003
Word #:
19 of 22
jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
Cross References
2 Chronicles 16:14And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.Jeremiah 34:5But thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odours for thee; and they will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.Amos 6:10And a man's uncle shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that is by the sides of the house, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD.
Historical Context
Cremation was not typical Israelite practice, making this action notable. Some suggest burning removed decayed flesh while preserving bones for proper burial. Others see it as emergency measure given circumstances. The courage required to retrieve bodies from enemy territory was exceptional.
Questions for Reflection
- What risks are worth taking to honor those who cannot honor themselves?
- How does the men of Jabesh-gilead's courage model loyalty to fallen leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The all-night march by Jabesh-gilead's valiant men demonstrates courage and loyalty that honors Saul in death as he honored them in life. Their retrieval of the bodies from Beth-shan's wall, burning them at Jabesh, and proper burial represents significant risk. The burning (unusual for Israelite practice) may have been necessary due to decomposition or to prevent further desecration. Their courage restores some dignity to the fallen king.