1 Samuel 31:9
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּכְרְתוּ֙
And they cut off
H3772
וַֽיִּכְרְתוּ֙
And they cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 15
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
his head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֔וֹ
his head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 15
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיַּפְשִׁ֖טוּ
and stripped off
H6584
וַיַּפְשִׁ֖טוּ
and stripped off
Strong's:
H6584
Word #:
4 of 15
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֵּלָ֑יו
his armour
H3627
כֵּלָ֑יו
his armour
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
6 of 15
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וַיְשַׁלְּח֨וּ
and sent
H7971
וַיְשַׁלְּח֨וּ
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
7 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
9 of 15
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
סָבִ֗יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֗יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
10 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
לְבַשֵּׂ֛ר
to publish
H1319
לְבַשֵּׂ֛ר
to publish
Strong's:
H1319
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)
בֵּ֥ית
it in the house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
it in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
Dedicating enemy armor to temples was common throughout the ancient world, acknowledging divine help in victory. The circulation of news throughout Philistine territory served to unify their people in celebration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Saul's fate mirror his failure to complete God's victory over the Philistines?
- What does the reversal of David's victory over Goliath suggest about incomplete obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Philistines' treatment of Saul's body serves both religious and propagandistic purposes. Cutting off his head mirrors David's treatment of Goliath, creating ironic reversal. The armor sent to 'the house of their idols' (Hebrew: 'bet 'atsabbehem') dedicates spoils to Philistine gods. Publishing news 'among the people' proclaims victory throughout Philistia. What began with Goliath's head in David's hand ends with Saul's head in Philistine hands.