## The Life of David - Part 10

## I Samuel 31:1-13

Introduction: When we left David last week he had finally realized a need to return to the Lord. When he began to pray God once again began to work in his life. NOTE: I Sam. 30:68. Our children sing the song about the wise man who built his house upon the rock. One verse says: "The blessings come down as the prayers go up." David illustrates that principle very well for us. When he stopped praying and seeking God's will - the blessings from God were just not coming. If you haven't experienced God's blessing on your life maybe a check-up on your prayer closet is needed. David's running from Saul was over; in the next chapter we see the death of King Saul. Read: I Sam. 31:1-6 to

I. A Pathetic Tragedy (1-6)

A. A slaughter v 1-3

1. We now pick up the action that began in I Sam. 29:1

2. The Philistines were going to battle against Saul and Israel.

a. The fact that the Philistines had rejected David and his army was really to David's advantage.

b. It allowed David to retain his integrity with the Israelites.

3. The battle went against Saul and as a result

a. Saul's army was slaughtered

b. Saul's three sons were killed; Jonathan, Abinadab, and Melchishua.

c. Saul was seriously wounded.

B. A suicide v 4-6

1. Saul knew it was all over for him - but he was afraid.

2. He begged his armour-bearer to kill him.

3. When he refused, Saul fell upon his sword, committing suicide for fear of the Philistines.

4. Seeing his king die and fearing the overcoming army of Philistines, Saul's armour-bearer then followed the example of his King and fell upon his sword.

5. So we see the tragic end of Saul.

II. A Sadistic Brutality (7-13)

A. Desertion v 7

1. Upon seeing the utter destruction of the main force of Israel's army.

2. And seeing their king along with his sons die on the battlefield.

3. The men of Israel deserted the area fleeing for their lives and leaving the cities for the Philistines to spoil.

4. Quite a different situation than when David led in battle - NOTE: I Sam 19:8.

5. The difference is the Lord and His power upon them.

B. Exploitation v 8-10

1. After the battle, the Philistines began to sift through the dead seeking weapons and valuables.

2. When they found Saul and his sons they were overjoyed.

3. They cut off his head and stripped off his armour declaring their great conquest and giving honor to their idols.

4. Sound familiar? I Sam 17:51,54

5. It is a bit ironic, Saul had tried at least twice to "smite David - even unto the wall" and now we find Saul fastened to the wall of Beth-shan.

C. Cremation v 11-13

1. Taking pity on the tragic situation, some valiant men of Jabesh-gilead retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons.

2. They burned them and then buried the bones in Jabesh.

3. These men were neither Philistines nor Israelites but they mourned the death of a king.

III. A Classic Analogy.

A. Israel's first king - Saul's death:

1. Appeared to be the end of all national hope

2. Seemed as though the adversary had won.

B. Israel's King of Kings - Christ's death:

1. Appeared to be the end of all spiritual hope

2. Seemed as though Satan had victory

3. Both death's paved the way for a new plan of operation - reign of David as opposed to Saul & Grace instead of law.

Saul's Death:

- Opened the throne room to David
- It ended an era of dissatisfaction and failure
- It displayed the foolishness of man. "I have played the fool" I Sam 26:21.

Christ's death:

- Opened throne room to sinners.
- It ended an era of law and guilt.
- It displayed the "foolishness" of God I Co. 1:25.

Conclusion: Nothing causes us think more seriously about life than death. Saul's life resulted in nothing of value whatsoever. What will be said at your funeral? Saul played the fool, what role do we play? With Saul it could have been different. After your death, will it have mattered that you lived? What about eternity? Only one life and soon 'twill be passed, only what's done for Christ will last.