1 Samuel 31:4
ESV
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me." But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.
NIV
Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me." But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
NASB
Then Saul said to his armor bearer, 'Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised Philistines will come and pierce me through, and abuse me.' But his armor bearer was unwilling, because he was very fearful. So Saul took his sword and fell on it.
CSB
Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!" But his armor-bearer would not do it because he was terrified. Then Saul took his sword and fell on it.
NLT
Saul groaned to his armor bearer, 'Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me.' But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
KJV
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
NKJV
Then Saul said to his armorbearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me.” But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it.
What does 1 Samuel 31:4 mean?
Saul knows he is dying. His sons have already been killed in the battle with the Philistines. He has been critically wounded by the Philistine archers (1 Samuel 31:3). Saul knows that notable captives of war were sometimes tortured, mutilated, or publicly humiliated. Some survive in agony for years as an object lesson for other challengers to the victor (Judges 16:23–25). When Nebuchadnezzar takes the southern kingdom of Judah into exile, King Zedekiah will be punished for his rebellion: he will witness the slaughter of his sons and then he will be blinded (2 Kings 25:7).Saul wants to avoid this at all costs. He asks his armor-bearer to kill him. When the servant refuses, Saul kills himself, and the armor-bearer follows his king's example (1 Samuel 31:5).
In a few days, an Amalekite from Saul's camp will flee to Ziklag (1 Samuel 27:1–6). He will tell David that Saul and Jonathan are dead. He claims that he came upon the wounded Saul, and that he killed the king at Saul's command. David, who fiercely refused to fight Saul or kill him when he had the chance, will execute the Amalekite for killing God's anointed king (2 Samuel 1:1–16). Scripture accurately records Saul's death and the Amalekite's claim—but the Amalekite lies. He thinks David will reward him for killing David's rival.
The "uncircumcised" refers to those who are not under a covenant with God and do not bear the sign of circumcision. It means Gentile, but in the Old Testament was often used as a derogatory term.
It's unclear if Saul was saved. Saul disobeyed God on several occasions (1 Samuel 15:1–35). God sent an evil spirit to torment him (1 Samuel 16:14; 18:10; 19:9). Saul visited a medium (1 Samuel 28). But it's interesting that Saul is never accused of worshiping idols or pagan gods. If Saul wasn't saved, it's not because he committed suicide. Suicide is murder of self, but it's not the unforgivable sin. The unforgivable sin is to refuse to believe God's promises that lead to salvation.
Saul killed himself because he didn't believe God could give him strength to meet his challenges. If you feel the same, please tell someone:
National Hopeline Network: 1–800–422-HOPE (4673)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help
Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory
Suicide hotlines available in most countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
