his friends. Those who consider the Lord as the Giver of their abundance, will dispose of it with
fairness and liberality.
Chapter 31
Chapter Outline
Saul's defeat and death. (1–7)
Saul's body rescued by the men of (8–13)
Jabesh-gilead.Verses 1–7
We cannot judge of the spiritual or eternal state of any by the manner of their death; for in that,
there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked. Saul, when sorely wounded, and unable to
resist or to flee, expressed no concern about his never-dying soul; but only desired that the Philistines
might not insult over him, or put him to pain, and he became his own murderer. As it is the grand
deceit of the devil, to persuade sinners, under great difficulties, to fly to this last act of desperation,
it is well to fortify the mind against it, by a serious consideration of its sinfulness before God, and
its miserable consequences in society. But our security is not in ourselves. Let us seek protection
from Him who keepeth Israel. Let us watch and pray; and take unto us the whole armour of God,
that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Verses 8–13
The Scripture makes no mention what became of the souls of Saul and his sons, after they were
dead; but of their bodies only: secret things belong not to us. It is of little consequence by what
means we die, or what is done with our dead bodies. If our souls are saved, our bodies will be raised
incorruptible and glorious; but not to fear His wrath, who is able to destroy both body and soul in
hell, is the extreme of folly and wickedness. How useless is the respect of fellow-creatures to those
who are suffering the wrath of God! While pompous funerals, grand monuments, and he praises
of men, honour the memory of the deceased, the soul may be suffering in the regions of darkness
and despair! Let us seek that honour which cometh from God only.