1 Samuel 31:1-13 “Remember the Good”
We see a contrast of what God did through David to restore their families, goods and spoils, to the death of Saul, his sons and fellow warriors. Being concern for humiliation, Saul asked his armor bearer to kill him. When he would not, Saul took his own life and his armor bearer did the same. This horrific defeat caused many men of Israel to abandon their cities allowing the Philistines to occupy them. When the Philistines returned the next day to strip the slain and collect the spoil, they found the bodies of Saul and his sons. They cut off Saul’s head and fastened his body to the wall of the temple of their god. Out of gratitude, the men of Jabesh-gilead rose up walking all night to recover the bodies and give them a proper burial. We see a great contrast between those who, in gratitude, sought to honor Saul and his sons, verses those who in fear fled for their lives at great loss. Some people forget the good and are only concerned for themselves, but others risk their lives to preserve the honor of others. God honors those who honor others.
