1 Chronicles 10 · a question people ask
Saul fell on his own sword (10:4), yet the chapter says of the LORD, "Therefore he killed him" (10:14). How can both be so?
The chapter tells both, and doesn't set one against the other. Saul fell on his own sword (10:4). Then the chapter gives the reason he died, and says of the LORD, "Therefore he killed him" (10:14). In Hebrew killed is mut, the verb of "So Saul died" (10:13), which Strong's gives as "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill" (tap died). 1 Chronicles has used the same word in the same form once before, of Judah's son: "Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight; and he killed him" (2:3). 1 Samuel 31, telling the same day, has no verse like 10:13-14. The chapter doesn't explain how 10:4 and 10:14 fit together, and this answer doesn't go past it.
The verses
“Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me.” But his armor bearer would not, for he was terrified. Therefore Saul took his sword and fell on it.”
“So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the LORD’s word, which he didn’t keep, and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire, and didn’t inquire of the LORD. Therefore he killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.”
“The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, and Shelah, which three were born to him of Shua’s daughter the Canaanitess. Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight; and he killed him.”