The king who killed himself by falling on his sword was King Saul.
The Demise of King Saul
King Saul, the first monarch of ancient Israel, met his end in a desperate act during a significant battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. His death is notably recounted in the biblical book of 1 Samuel, specifically chapters 31:4-6.
Circumstances of His Death
Facing an overwhelming defeat and severe injuries from the Philistine archers, King Saul found himself in a dire predicament. He was gravely wounded and deeply feared the humiliation and torture that would surely be inflicted upon him if he were captured alive by his enemies.
- Fear of Capture: Knowing his demise was imminent and unwilling to fall into the hands of the uncircumcised Philistines, Saul sought a swift end.
- Request to Armour-Bearer: He first pleaded with his armour-bearer to draw his sword and kill him.
- Armour-Bearer's Refusal: However, his armour-bearer was terrified and refused to strike down the king.
- Final Act: In this moment of utter desperation and out of a desire to avoid being desecrated by his enemies, Saul took his own sword and fell upon it, ending his life.
This tragic event marked the end of King Saul's reign and paved the way for the ascension of David.
Key Details of Saul's Death
To provide a clear overview, here are the key facts regarding King Saul's suicide:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| King | Saul, the first king of Israel. |
| Location | Mount Gilboa. |
| Opponent | Philistines. |
| Motive for Suicide | Avoid capture, torture, and humiliation by the Philistines after being mortally wounded. |
| Method | Fell upon his own sword after his armour-bearer refused to kill him. |
| Biblical Account | Primarily described in 1 Samuel 31:4-6. Another account in 2 Samuel 1 describes an Amalekite claiming to have killed Saul, but this is widely considered to be an attempt to gain favor. |
King Saul's dramatic self-inflicted death underscores the intense pressures and personal code of honor that kings could face in ancient warfare, where capture by an enemy was often considered a fate worse than death.
