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.