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1 Chronicles 10:13 meaning

Saul’s demise demonstrates that knowingly rejecting God’s will carries serious repercussions.

So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it. (v.13). King Saul, the first monarch of Israel (circa 1050-1010 BC), came from the tribe of Benjamin and initially ruled from Gibeah. This verse highlights the tragic finale of Saul’s reign following his defeat on Mount Gilboa. Though anointed by God to lead and defend Israel, Saul fell into grave disobedience. Scripture points to two key violations: violating God’s commands and relying on forbidden spiritual practices by consulting a medium. His failure to heed the “word of the LORD” underscores the Bible’s overarching theme that choices have consequences, a principle that 1 Chronicles repeatedly stresses.When the text states that Saul “died for his trespass,” it places blame for his downfall firmly on his unfaithfulness to God’s instructions. Earlier in his reign, Saul’s disobedience involved offering sacrifices he was not commanded to make and preserving spoils that God had ordered destroyed. Over time, his disregard for the Suzerain (the supreme authority) led him to reject the wise counsel of the prophet Samuel, culminating in a final act of rebellion by turning to forbidden occult practices (1 Samuel 28). According to the Scriptures, Saul’s decisions caused him to fall out of the protective alignment with God, bringing about the very calamity he feared.

This verse also illustrates the principle of cause and effect seen throughout 1 and 2 Chronicles: obedience to the Lord invites blessings, while disobedience leads to discipline. Within New Testament teaching, believers are similarly warned that ignoring the Lord’s guidance or seeking truth outside of God’s revealed Word jeopardizes fellowship and results in painful repercussions (Galatians 6:7). Yet through Christ’s sacrifice, redemption remains freely offered, reminding us that a repentant heart, unlike Saul’s hardened resistance, restores closeness with God (1 John 1:9).

1 Chronicles 10:13