Suicide as Illustrated by the Case of Saul
1 Chronicles 10:4
Then said Saul to his armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me…


I. CAUSES. —

1. Not merely accumulated misfortune, but long-continued wrongdoing.

2. Cowardly fear of suffering.

3. Caring more for disgrace than for sin.

4. Abandonment of trust of God as to this life and to the future life.

II. EFFECTS. —

1. Others led by the example into the same folly and sin.

2. Personal dishonour not really prevented.

3. A crowning and lasting reproach to the man's memory.

(J. P. Lange.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

WEB: Then Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me." But his armor bearer would not; for he was terrified. Therefore Saul took his sword, and fell on it.




Saul's Character
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