1 Chronicles 10:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 10:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 10:13 explains that Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD, specifically by disobeying God's command and by seeking guidance from someone who practiced divination. The verse highlights that Saul's actions—both his disobedience and his turning to forbidden spiritual practices—led to his downfall.

This verse comes from a section where the writer of Chronicles is summarizing the reasons for King Saul’s death. The focus is on Saul’s personal responsibility: he broke faith with God by not keeping God's word and by consulting a medium, which was strictly forbidden in Israel. The verse serves as a summary statement, explaining Saul’s fate in light of his choices.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 10:13

• "Transgression" (מַעַל, ma‘al) means a breach of trust or faithlessness, not just a simple mistake. The word emphasizes that Saul’s failure was a serious betrayal of his relationship with God.
• "Kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar) is often used for guarding or carefully observing something. Here, it points out that Saul did not guard or obey the word (דָּבָר, davar) of the LORD, showing a lack of careful attention to God’s instructions.
• "Asking" (שָׁאַל, sha’al) and "enquire" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) both refer to seeking guidance, but "darash" often means to seek diligently. The verse stresses that Saul actively sought out forbidden spiritual advice, not just passively stumbled into it.

Why 1 Chronicles 10:13 matters

• This verse clarifies that Saul’s death was not just a military loss but a direct result of his spiritual choices, connecting his fate to his relationship with God.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of seeking guidance outside of God’s will, especially through forbidden means like consulting mediums.
• By summarizing Saul’s failure, the verse sets up a contrast with David, who is introduced in the next verses as a king who seeks God’s guidance, shaping the message of the whole book.