Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Samuel Ch.31 / 31 Ch.s
1SA:31
* Saul's defeat and death. (1-7) Saul's body rescued by the men
of Jabesh-gilead. (8-13)
#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.
#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.