FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation 1 Chronicles 10:1
KJVNow the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
Read it in context
Saul’s Overthrow and Death
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 10:1 (1 Chronicles 10:1 to 1 Chronicles 10:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
- 10:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
- 10:2 And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.
- 10:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers.
- 10:4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
- 10:5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.
- 10:6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 10:1–10:14): Saul, his sons, the Philistines, and the men of Jabesh-gilead are involved in the account of Saul's death. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Saul’s Overthrow and Death. Read 1 Chronicles 10:1 through 1 Chronicles 10:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Saul’s Overthrow and Death (1 Chronicles 10:1 to 1 Chronicles 10:6). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 10:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 10:1, 1 Chronicles 10:6, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The genealogies extend past the exile.
Other accounts of this event
Saul's death
Parallel accounts
Chronicles adds an explanation of Saul's unfaithfulness. The Amalekite's report in 2 Samuel 1 is not treated as an independently verified account of the manner of Saul's death.
Related passages
- A. M. 2948. B.C. 1056. the Philistines fo… 1 Sam 28:1 1 Sam 29:1-2
- mount 1 Chr 10:8 1 Sam 28:4 2 Sam 1:6,21 2 Sam 21:12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 10
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The Philistines Possess the Towns
1 Chronicles 10:7–10FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation Jabesh-gilead’s Tribute to Saul
1 Chronicles 10:11–14FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The people and their lines
1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation David's reign and the ark
1 Chronicles 13:1–20:8FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
interpretation Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Connection to the wholeDavid arranges materials and personnel and charges Solomon and the people, directing the close of his reign toward the future temple.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.