1 Samuel 31:3 Meaning
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
Context Explained
1Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
2And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul's sons.
3And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
4Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
5And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Psalm 22:14
Both verses express the anguish of being wounded and suffering.
John 19:34
The piercing of Jesus parallels Saul's wounding by archers.
Revelation 21:4
The sorrow of death contrasts with the promise of no more pain in the New Jerusalem.
Source: 1 Samuel 31:3