And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

1 CHRONICLES 10:14KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 10:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 10:14 mean?

1 Chronicles 10:14 explains that Saul died because he did not seek guidance from the LORD, and as a result, God caused his death and gave the kingdom to David, the son of Jesse. The verse highlights a direct connection between Saul’s failure to turn to God and the transfer of kingship to David.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is summarizing why Saul’s reign ended so tragically. This verse is part of a larger explanation to the people of Israel, showing that Saul’s downfall was not just a matter of bad luck or military defeat, but a result of his spiritual choices—specifically, not “enquiring” of the LORD. The verse also marks a turning point in Israel’s history, as leadership moves from Saul to David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 10:14

  • “enquired” (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to seek, inquire, or consult. The verse emphasizes that Saul did not earnestly seek God’s guidance, which was a key expectation for Israel’s king.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, underscoring that Saul’s failure was not just general neglect but a failure to seek the specific, covenant God of Israel.
  • “slew” (מוּת, muth): This verb means to kill or cause to die. The verse attributes Saul’s death directly to God’s action, not just to the Philistines or battlefield circumstances.
  • “turned” (סָבַב, savav): This word means to turn or transfer. The verse stresses that God actively redirected the kingdom from Saul’s family to David, showing divine involvement in Israel’s leadership.

Why 1 Chronicles 10:14 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Saul’s downfall was not simply a political or military failure, but a spiritual one rooted in his relationship with God.
  • It highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance, especially for leaders, and sets up David’s kingship as divinely chosen rather than merely a result of human events.
  • This summary helps readers understand the chronicler’s perspective on history: God is actively involved in raising up and removing leaders based on their faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“kingdom” Hebrew H4410 · used in 23 verses

  • 1 Samuel 10:16 And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.
  • 1 Kings 1:46 And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom.
  • Psalms 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations.

“Jesse” Hebrew H3448 · used in 39 verses

  • Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
  • 1 Samuel 16:22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
  • 1 Samuel 25:10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

“turned” Hebrew H5437 · used in 147 verses

  • Genesis 2:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
  • 2 Samuel 18:30 And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.
  • Psalms 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.