Few generals and kings approach an upcoming battle and know for absolute certainty that they will be dead by the end of it. This was Saul’s predicament here. The burden of that knowledge must have been unbearable.
Questions about how Saul actually died abound since there seems to be two different version of the story in the Scriptures which need to be reconciled. This chapter also sparked conversation about ancient Israelite burial methods and suicide.
Thought Questions
Why did the Philistines dispose of Saul’s body and armor the way they did?
Why did the people of Jabesh-Gilead take the bodies and burn them? Who are the people of Jabesh-Gilead? What is their history?
Does the Torah specifically tell us how to dispose of the dead person?
How were the Philistines able to win this battle so “easily” and take so much territory (Josh.17:11-13)?
How many of Saul’s sons were killed? Which son survived? Was Saul struck by the archers?
Why did the armor bearer refuse Saul’s order to kill him?
How is this version of Saul’s death and the reasons for his death different from the version in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles?
Which version is correct?
Is there a law in Torah against suicide (Gen 9:5)?
Speaker: Daniel. Reader: David.