Two Deaths . . . A Study in Contrast

Message Summary:

In this somber message concluding the study of 1 Samuel, Chuck Swindoll examines the tragic end of King Saul. Opening with an ancient legend about a “date with Death,” Swindoll reminds listeners that everyone has an appointment with eternity. The sermon focuses on 1 Samuel 31, detailing the Philistine victory on Mount Gilboa where Saul’s sons—including David’s best friend Jonathan—are slaughtered, and Saul takes his own life to avoid capture and torture.

Swindoll characterizes Saul’s life and death by the king’s own admission in 1 Samuel 26:21: “Behold, I have played the fool.” He traces how Saul, who began as the “pick of the litter” in Israel, died an isolated, embittered man because he lived as if God did not exist. The message addresses difficult topics arising from the text, including the theology of suicide and the biblical view of cremation, prompted by the men of Jabesh-gilead burning Saul’s body to protect it from further desecration.

The “Study in Contrast” culminates not just in comparing David and Saul, but in comparing the death of Saul with the death of Jesus Christ. Swindoll outlines how both deaths seemed to signal the end of hope and a victory for the adversary. However, while Saul’s death ended a reign of failure and guilt, Christ’s death ended the era of the Law and opened the throne room of grace to all believers. The message closes with a call to let God “take over” rather than taking sides, moving from the foolishness of sin to the redemption of the Cross.

Message Key Facts:

• Saul’s Epitaph: Swindoll identifies 1 Samuel 26:21 as the summary of Saul’s existence: “I have played the fool.” Quoting J. Sidlow Baxter, Swindoll explains that a man plays the fool when he neglects godly friends, fights against God, and tries to cover disobedience with religious excuses.
• The Five Biblical Suicides: Saul’s death is identified as one of only five suicides recorded in Scripture. Swindoll lists them as:
  1. Saul (1 Samuel 31)
  2. Saul’s Armor Bearer (1 Samuel 31)
  3. Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23)
  4. Zimri (1 Kings 16:18)
  5. Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:5).
• The Tragedy of Beth-shan: After cutting off Saul’s head, the Philistines fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan. Swindoll notes the geographical irony: this location was not far from where Saul was inaugurated. After 40 years of reigning, he had made no territorial progress and died right where he started.
• A Biblical Perspective on Cremation: The burning of Saul’s body by the men of Jabesh-gilead is the only account of cremation (among God’s people) in the Bible. Swindoll argues that the Bible is largely silent on the practice (neither commanding nor forbidding it). He uses the illustration of Roger Williams—whose body was eventually absorbed by the roots of an apple tree—to argue that God has no difficulty resurrecting a body, regardless of whether it is buried, burned, or lost at sea.
• Parallels Between Saul’s Death and Christ’s Death: Swindoll draws six analogies between the two events:
  1. Both appeared to be the end of all hope (National for Saul; Spiritual for Christ).
  2. Both seemed to be a victory for the adversary.
  3. Both paved the way for a new plan of operation.
  4. Both opened the throne room to another (to David; to the sinner).
  5. Saul’s death ended an era of dissatisfaction; Christ’s death ended the era of Law.
  6. Saul’s death displayed the foolishness of man; Christ’s death displayed the “foolishness” (paradox) of God’s wisdom.
• The Armor Bearer’s Loyalty: Swindoll highlights the armor bearer who refused to kill Saul out of fear and loyalty, eventually taking his own life to remain with his master in death.

Message References:

• 1 Samuel 31: The primary narrative of the battle of Mount Gilboa, the death of Saul and his sons, and the recovery of their bodies.
• 1 Samuel 26:21: Saul’s confession: “Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.”
• 2 Timothy 1:10: Referenced in the introduction regarding Jesus, who “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light”.
• 1 Chronicles 10:13–14 (Implied): The assessment that Saul died for his trespass against the Lord.
• Matthew 27:5: The suicide of Judas, referenced for comparison.
• Psalm 118:6–7 (Referenced): “The Lord is for me… let me stand above my foes” (quoted in the closing poem).

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll