1 Samuel 31: Saul Dies

Summary:

The Philistines have been fighting the Israelites. The Israelites are losing the battle and in full retreat. Three of Saul's four sons have been killed, (including Jonathan, David's friend). Saul, instead of standing until the end with his men asks his armor bearer to kill him so he is not taken  by the Philistines. His armor bearer refuses so Saul chooses to fall on his own sword. When the Philistines come upon his body, they cut off his head (just as David did with Goliath). They display his head and body in the temple

of their idols. When the men of Jabesh-gilead (an Israelite clan) learn about this they sneak in take his body back, burn it and bury his bones, out of respect.
This is the end of Samuel 1.

What I learned from 1 Samuel 31:

There are two examples of leadership in these last two chapters of 1 Samuel. David in in the chapter before this asks God for guidance before heading into battle and then putting his faith in God. He leads his followers with courage. Saul, in contrast to David, does not seek God, chooses to leave his men and does not lead with courage. He dies in shame.

Read 1 Samuel 31

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+31&version=NLV

Hope Wirta