1 Samuel 31:13

“And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, etc.] For though they burned the bodies, yet so as to preserve the bones; and these, together with the ashes of the parts burnt, they gathered up, and buried under a tree near this city; this tree is said to be an oak, (<131012>1 Chronicles 10:12); so Deborah, the nurse of Rebekah, was buried under an oak, (<013508>Genesis 35:8). The Jews generally interred their dead under some oak, as aforementioned writer observes f580; pleased perchance with the parallel, as he expresses it, that as these plants, seemingly dead in winter, have every spring an annual resurrection, so men’s dry bones shall have new sap put into them at…”

“Under a tree - Rather, “Under the tamarisk,” a well-known tree at Jabesh which was standing when this narrative was written. They fasted seven days - In imitation of the mourning for Jacob (marginal reference). They would give full honor to Saul though he was fallen. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on 1 Samuel 31". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-samuel-31.html. 1870. StudyLight.org &copy;&#160;2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”

“Fasted - To testify their sorrow for the loss of Saul, and of the people of God; and to intreat God's favour to prevent the utter extinction of his people. But you must not understand this word of fasting strictly, as if they eat nothing for seven whole days; but in a more large sense, as it is used both in sacred and profane writers; that they did eat but little, and that but mean food, and drank only water for that time. This book began with the birth of Samuel, and ends with the death of Saul: The comparing these together will teach us to prefer the honour that comes from God, before all the honours of the world. Next: 2 Kings (2 Samuel) Chapter 1”

“31:13 bones . . . Jabesh: This was not the final resting place of Saul’s remains (see 2 Sam 21:12-14). • The ending of 1 Samuel brings Israel’s history back to the situation at the end of Judges, when “Israel had no king.” Once again, the Philistines were in control. David had God’s anointing but no crown. He had wives but no sons. His affiliation with the hated Philistines might jeopardize his standing among his own people. David’s future path would be challenging, but God was clearly with him.”

“their bones: Gen 35:8; Sa2 2:4, Sa2 2:5, Sa2 21:12-14 fasted seven: Gen 50:10 Next: 2 Kings (2 Samuel) Chapter 1”