Chapter Summary

Saul's overthrow and death. Triumph of the Philistines. Saul's sin.

Discussion Questions for 1 Chronicles, Chapter 10

1. Read 1 Samuel 31:1-13. How does this account from 1 Chronicles compare to a similar account in 1 Samuel? Why would the Chronicler choose to retell such a grisly story? What truths might the author be trying to communicate to the reader through this account?
2. The Chronicler explains that Saul fell upon his own sword and thus killing himself, yet at the same time they write that "the LORD put him to death". How could both of these be true?
3. Was Saul's suicide an act of cowardice or of faith? What about his armor-bearer's? Why?
4. Fear leads us to act in ways we might not have thought we would. How did fear drive Saul and his armor-bearer to act? How is this similar to ways we act when we feel threatened?
5. Is fear always a bad thing? What, if anything, should we fear?
6. Proverbs explains that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10 ESV). What, then, does this say about Saul and his armor-bearer's reactions to losing the battle to the Philistines? Why is "fearing the Lord" sometimes harder for us than fearing "man"?
7. What are some things that followers of Christ can do when feeling afraid or anxious about something?
8. Why did the men of Jabesh-gilead fast when they brought back the bodies of Saul and his sons? Is fasting something Christians should do in modern times? Why should (or shouldn't) followers of Jesus fast?
9. What were the reasons the Lord put Saul to death? Does this seem like a harsh punishment, why or why not? What does this tell us about the Lord's power? What does this tell us about the Lord's character?
10. Where are people tempted to seek guidance and help from before the Lord? What does this passage show us about the importance of where we put our trust and faith?

Key Words/Phrase

Retribution, v. 13.

Characters

God, Saul, Jonathan, David.

Strong Verse(s)

13