Study 42: 1 Samuel 31: 1-13: Trent Evans

In this final chapter of 1 Samuel, we witness the tragic death of King Saul on Mount Gilboa—a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience. Yet even in judgment, the mercy of God is visible. David is spared from participating in Saul’s downfall, revealing the prevenient grace of God that protects us from destroying ourselves. Saul’s life ends in despair, but his death prepares the way for David, and ultimately for Jesus Christ—the true and obedient King. Where Saul’s death came through rebellion, Christ’s death came through obedience. This passage calls us to reflect on God’s mercy, His justice, and the urgency of living in faithful obedience so that our “high water mark” is not behind us, but alive in Christ today.

Sermon Outline

1. The Setting: A Dark Chapter with a Deeper Purpose (00:10–06:49)

   1. Primary Text: 1 Samuel 31

   2. Supporting Text:

      1. 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 30 Saul returns from the witch of Endor with a prophetic word of judgment hanging over him.

      2. Chapter 31 appears tragic, yet it reveals both God’s justice and mercy.

2. Mercy in What Didn’t Happen: David Spared (06:49–15:02)

   1. Scripture: 1 Samuel 29:6–7; 1 Samuel 31:1

      1. David is absent from the battle—a profound act of divine mercy. God intervenes to prevent David from participating in Saul’s death. This illustrates prevenient grace.

3. The Consequences of Persistent Disobedience (15:02–23:29)

   1. Scripture: 1 Samuel 31:2–6; 1 Samuel 28:19

      1. Saul witnesses the deaths of his sons and ultimately takes his own life. God’s word spoken through Samuel is fulfilled within 24 hours. God’s justice is neither rushed nor delayed—it is sure.

4. Collateral Damage: The Cost of Rebellion (18:44–24:25)

   1. Scripture: 1 Samuel 31:2; 1 Chronicles 10:13–14

      1. Saul’s unfaithfulness affects not only himself but his sons and the nation. Sin never stays contained.

5. Losing What God Established (24:25–26:39)

   1. Scripture: 1 Samuel 31:7

      1. The Israelites abandon cities God gave them. What God establishes must be maintained through obedience.

6. Public Humiliation and False Glory (26:39–28:25)

   1. Scripture: 1 Samuel 31:8–10

      1. Saul’s body is displayed in Philistine temples. The enemies of God celebrate, but ultimately it was Saul’s unfaithfulness—not Philistine power—that caused the fall.

7. Remembering the High Water Mark (28:25–35:10)

   1. Scripture: 1 Samuel 11

      1. The men of Jabesh Gilead rescue Saul’s body in gratitude for his earlier deliverance of them. Saul once burned with righteous zeal—but that was long ago.

8. From the First King to the True King (36:14–38:27)

   1. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2

      1. Saul’s death paves the way for David, and David’s line leads to Jesus. Saul died because of his sin. Jesus died for our sin. The gospel stands in contrast to Saul’s failure.

Scripture References

1 Samuel 31:1–13

(00:10 onward)

The death of Saul and his sons; Israel’s defeat on Mount Gilboa.

1 Samuel 29:6–7

(08:58)

David is dismissed by the Philistines—God spares him from fighting Israel.

1 Samuel 28:19

(04:48; 23:29)

Samuel’s prophecy of Saul’s death within 24 hours.

1 Chronicles 10:13–14

(27:53)

Explanation of Saul’s death: he was unfaithful and did not inquire of the Lord.

1 Samuel 11

(29:41)

Saul’s early deliverance of Jabesh Gilead—his spiritual high water mark.

2 Corinthians 5:21

(38:14)

Christ, sinless, became sin for us.

1 John 2:2

(38:27)

Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the world.

Word Study

Word: Unfaithful

Original Language: Hebrew

Original Word: מָעַל (ma‘al)

Strong’s Number: H4603

Pronunciation: maw-al

Simple Definition: To act treacherously; to break faith; to commit a breach of trust.

Extended Definition: Ma‘al describes covenant betrayal—deliberately violating a relationship of trust with God. It is not accidental sin but willful unfaithfulness. Often used in contexts where Israel violates covenant loyalty.

Key Supporting Scripture:

• 1 Chronicles 10:13 – “Saul died because he was unfaithful (ma‘al) to the Lord.”

• Leviticus 26:40 – Confession of covenant unfaithfulness.

• Joshua 7:1 – Achan’s trespass described with the same word.

Synonyms: Treachery, betrayal, covenant-breakingAntonyms: Faithfulness (emunah), obedience, loyalty

Connection to the Sermon’s Theme:Saul’s downfall was not a single mistake—it was a pattern of covenant unfaithfulness. In contrast, Jesus embodies perfect covenant faithfulness. Where Saul ma‘al (broke faith), Jesus remained obedient “even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). The movement from Saul to Christ reveals the necessity of a faithful King. Jesus is that King.

Questions for Deeper Study

1. Where have you seen the mercy of God in what did not happen in your life?

2. Is your spiritual “high water mark” behind you, or are you presently walking in deep obedience to Christ?

3. What practical steps can you take this week to remain faithful and aligned with the Lord?