The Philistines bring full-scale war to Israel, and the Philistines are victorious. Three sons of Saul are slain, and when Saul sees the defeat all around him, he despairingly asks his armor-bearer to kill him. When the armor-bearer refuses, Saul breaks the 5th Commandment by taking his own life. The death of the king of Israel only strikes more fear into the Israelites and emboldens the Philistines. When the Philistines desecrate the body of Saul, the men of Jabesh-gilead risk their lives to show proper honor to their former king. This text invites conversation on the Bible’s teaching concerning suicide and Christian care for the bodies of those who have died.

Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, senior professor of practical theology and pastoral counseling at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 31:1-13.

"A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]