And when they had stripped him, they took his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people.

1 CHRONICLES 10:9KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 10:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 10:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 10:9 describes how, after King Saul was killed in battle, the Philistines stripped his body, took his head and armor, and sent them throughout their territory to announce their victory to their idols and their people. This act was meant to display their triumph and shame Israel by showing the defeat of their king.

The verse is set after the battle between Israel and the Philistines, where Saul and his sons died. The Philistines, the enemies of Israel, are the ones acting here. By sending Saul’s head and armor around their land, they were not only celebrating their military success but also making a public statement to their gods (idols) and their people, claiming that their gods had given them victory over Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 10:9

  • "stripped" (פָּשַׁט, pāshaṭ): This word means to remove clothing or armor from a body, highlighting the complete humiliation of Saul by exposing him after death.
  • "tidings" (בָּשַׂר, bāśar): This word means to bring news, often good news. Here, it emphasizes that the Philistines viewed Saul’s death as a cause for celebration and wanted everyone, including their idols and people, to hear about it.
  • "idols" (עֲצַבִּים, atzabbim): This word refers to physical images or statues worshipped as gods. Mentioning the idols shows that the Philistines credited their victory to their gods, not just their military strength.

Why 1 Chronicles 10:9 matters

  • This verse shows the depth of Saul’s defeat, not just in death but in the public humiliation and desecration of his body, which would have been deeply shameful for Israel.
  • The mention of the Philistines sending news to their idols highlights the ancient belief that military victories were tied to the power of one’s gods, setting up a contrast with Israel’s understanding of God’s sovereignty.
  • This event connects to the wider passage by explaining why Saul’s death was such a national tragedy and why it led to a period of mourning and transition for Israel, paving the way for David’s rise as king.

Where else these words appear

“idols” Hebrew H6091 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Samuel 31:9 And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.
  • Psalms 115:4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
  • Hosea 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.

“tidings” Hebrew H1319 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

“stripped” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 27:10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.