1 Chronicles 10:14
And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דָרַ֥שׁ
And enquired
H1875
דָרַ֥שׁ
And enquired
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
not of the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֖ה
not of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיְמִיתֵ֑הוּ
therefore he slew
H4191
וַיְמִיתֵ֑הוּ
therefore he slew
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
4 of 10
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַיַּסֵּב֙
him and turned
H5437
וַיַּסֵּב֙
him and turned
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
5 of 10
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:28And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.1 Samuel 13:14But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.1 Chronicles 12:23And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.1 Samuel 16:1And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.1 Samuel 28:6And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.1 Samuel 28:17And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:
Historical Context
The Chronicler deliberately contrasts Saul's failure to seek God with David's consistent pattern of inquiry (see 1 Chronicles 14:10, 14). This served as a pointed lesson for post-exilic leaders facing decisions about rebuilding Jerusalem and temple worship - seek God's will through proper means.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might you be tempted to seek guidance from sources other than God's revealed Word?
- How does David's pattern of seeking God's will through prayer and Scripture inform your decision-making process?
Analysis & Commentary
The theological center of Saul's failure was his failure to 'enquire of the LORD' (darash YHWH). This Hebrew phrase denotes more than casual prayer - it implies seeking divine guidance through proper covenantal channels. Saul consulted a medium instead (1 Samuel 28), violating Deuteronomy 18:10-12. The phrase 'therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David' reveals God's dual action: negative judgment and positive providence. Reformed theology sees here the doctrine of divine reprobation and election working in tandem. David's rise wasn't mere political fortune but God's ordained plan, pointing ultimately to Christ, the Son of David.