1 Chronicles 10: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from them, falling slain on Mount Gilboa (vv. 1-2). Saul's sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua were killed as the battle intensified for Saul, who was overtaken by archers (vv.

Key verse

“So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Yahweh, because of Yahweh’s word, which he didn’t keep; and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire,”
1 Chronicles 10:13 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 10:1–3 The Battle Against Israel
1 Chronicles 10:4–5 Saul's Last Moments
1 Chronicles 10:6–7 Consequences of Defeat
1 Chronicles 10:8–10 Philistine Triumph
1 Chronicles 10:11–12 Burial by Jabesh Gilead
1 Chronicles 10:13–14 Saul's Trespass and Death

Discussion questions

In v6, why do all of Saul's sons die with him?
What does Saul do to avoid capture in v4?
Saul's trespass in v13: how does it relate to his seeking counsel from a familiar spirit?
In v12, why do the valiant men of Jabesh Gilead risk their lives to retrieve Saul's body?
When have you felt compelled to take drastic actions like Saul did in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 10: 1 Samuel 31, 2 Samuel 1, 1 Samuel 28.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 11.