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1 Chronicles 10 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The Philistines
Who were the Philistines?
They were sea-faring people who immigrated from the island of Crete. According to archeology digs, it is speculated that the Philistines were heavy drinkers with heavy weapons. They were some of the first people to make use of iron. Look at what God says about the origin of the Philistines…
“The LORD says, “People of Israel, I think as much of the people of Ethiopia as I do of you. I brought the Philistines from Crete and the Syrians from Kir, just as I brought you from Egypt.”
Amos 9:7 GNB
It may be surprising to read this, but even though God chose Israel and set them apart, He has always had a heart for His entire creation. This does not change the fact that they were one of Israel’s enemies and continued to worship foreign gods.
The Life of King Saul
“So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance.”
1 Chronicles 10:13 ESV
This may seem harsh, but a deeper look into Saul’s decision shows us the condition of his heart. First, we know that Saul had a history of being impulsive. He stepped in and offered a sacrifice when he thought Samuel was “late” and he went on to consult a medium in order to get answers. This occurred after Saul had expelled all witchcraft from the land, which is an ironic twist.
However, the main point here is the timing of Saul’s decision. 1 Samuel 28:6 explains that Saul inquired of the LORD but the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.
We don’t know how much time passes in between, but we know that in the very next verse he tells his servants to find him a witch. Saul ultimately died for his breach of faith. From the start, it was obvious he had little faith in God answering him. Though God gave Saul many opportunities to change, Saul’s expectation was that God should instantly answer him. With regard to the sacrifice, he wanted Samuel there on his timing. Throughout his life, there is no repentance, but rather, impatient demands.
Even though Saul made it pretty clear at the end of Samuel’s life that he couldn’t care less about the prophet’s advice, Saul knew deep down that Samuel was his only trusted source of truth. Unforunately, he learned this lesson too late. When Saul consults the witch, he asks for her to call up Samuel, which she does!
This illustrates for believers that our advice, counsel, and lifestyle choices do not go unnoticed. It may seem that those who stray from the faith bitterly despise our faithful obedience to God, but it’s simply not true. Deep down, when rock bottom hits, they will return to those filled with the grace and truth of Jesus.
I can’t stress this point enough. If there is someone who has deeply wounded you by turning their back in disobedience to the Lord, do not lose hope! The counsel they once scorned will become their saving grace. We must continue to pray for them and believe that one day they will return to Godly wisdom.