So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;

1 CHRONICLES 10:13KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“spirit” Hebrew H178 · used in 16 verses

  • Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
  • 1 Samuel 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

“transgression” Hebrew H4604 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • Joshua 22:20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
  • Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

“committed” Hebrew H4603 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 2:7 And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed.
  • Ezra 10:10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.