10:1 the Philistines Israel’s main enemies during this period (1 Sam 4:1–2).

Philistines

Mount Gilboa Located roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of the Sea of Galilee.

10:2 Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua The Samuel account reveals that Saul’s son, Jonathan, had a very close friendship with David (1 Sam 13:2; 18:1–5). After Jonathan’s death, David lamented him (2 Sam 1:17–27).

10:4 deal harshly with me See note on 1 Sam 31:4.

he was very afraid The armor-bearer did not want to be responsible for the death of God’s anointed king. An Amalekite later takes credit for killing Saul, thinking it would gain him favor with David (2 Sam 1:6–10). David, however, responds by executing him (2 Sam 1:14–16).

10:5 fell upon the sword He probably feared being captured and tortured, just as Saul did. See note on 1 Sam 31:5.

10:6 all his house died The account in Samuel has “and all his men” (1 Sam 31:6). The Chronicler mentions the demise of Saul’s entire house to emphasize the end of Saul’s kingdom and the beginning of David’s.

10:8 they found Saul See 1 Sam 31:8 and note.

10:9 took his head See 1 Sam 31:9 and note.

10:10 to the temple of Dagon The main Philistine deity. See note on Judg 16:23 (compare 1 Sam 5:2).

10:11 Jabesh-Gilead A town Saul had saved from the Ammonites (1 Sam 11:1–11; 31:11–13).

10:12 they buried their bones The account in Samuel says that the men from Jabesh burned the bodies of Saul and his sons before burying their bones (1 Sam 31:12–13).

10:13 sin See note on 1 Chr 5:25.

the command of Yahweh that he did not keep Saul was originally rejected as king for disobeying Samuel’s instructions about sacrificing (1 Sam 13:8–23).

He also consulted a medium The story of Saul consulting a medium is found in 1 Sam 28:3–25.