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1 Samuel 31 · Grade 5

A Tragic Ending

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Read and Think

The final chapter of 1 Samuel records the fulfillment of the word spoken at Endor. On Mount Gilboa the men of Israel fled, and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. The archers overtook Saul, and he was greatly distressed. Jonathan, faithful to the end, died with the father who had tried to kill his friend.

Saul's death was as tragic as his life. Fearing that the Philistines would abuse him, he asked his armor bearer to thrust him through. When the armor bearer refused, Saul took his own life by falling on his sword. The narrator sums it up: So Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men that same day together. Israelites abandoned their cities, and the Philistines dishonored Saul's body.

Yet the book closes with an act of courage. The men of Jabesh Gilead had been rescued by Saul in chapter 11, in the first triumph of his reign. Now all the valiant men went all night, recovered the bodies of Saul and his sons, buried their bones under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted seven days. Saul began with great promise but ended in disobedience and defeat. The story of 1 Samuel turns the reader toward David, the man after God's own heart.

Show What You Know

  1. What does the final chapter fulfill?

  2. How did Jonathan end his life?

  3. When had Saul rescued Jabesh Gilead?

  4. Toward whom does the story turn the reader?

Crossword

51423

Across

  1. They ____ seven days (31:13).
  2. The mountain where Israel fled (31:1)

Down

  1. They buried the bones under this tree (31:13)
  2. The town whose men buried Saul (31:13)
  3. All the ____ men arose (31:12).

Think About It

  1. Saul began well but ended badly. What helps a person stay faithful to God for a lifetime?

  2. How does the loyalty of Jabesh Gilead show the value of remembering kindness?

Memory Verse

“So Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men that same day together.”

1 Samuel 31:6 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for comforting me when I am sad. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why is remembering kindness important?
  • How does the end of 1 Samuel prepare for David's reign?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.