to Jabesh] Samuel adds “and burned them there.” The Chronicler omits this statement perhaps because he inferred that the bones were not destroyed by this burning; compare 2 Samuel xxi. 12–14 (the bones of Saul and Jonathan brought from Jabesh in David’s reign and re-interred in the family sepulchre) or more probably because burning was not a usual funeral rite among the Jews (compare 2 Chronicles xvi. 14, note), and indeed was regarded with abhorrence (compare Amos ii. 1).
under the oak] margin, terebinth. Large trees, being rare in Palestine, frequently serve as landmarks; compare Judges iv. 5; 1 Samuel xxii. 6 (“tamarisk tree” Revised Version).
fasted seven days] Fasting involved abstinence from food during daylight. David fasted “till the evening” in mourning for Saul (2 Samuel i. 12) and for Abner (2 Samuel iii. 35). The fast of Jabesh was a sevenfold fast.
13, 14 (peculiar to Chronicles).
The Moral of the Overthrow of the House of Saul.
Such reflexions as these are characteristic of the Chronicler; compare 2 Chronicles xii. 2 (note), xxii. 7, xxiv. 24, xxv. 27. They are not so frequent in Samuel and Kings.
¹³So Saul died for[¹] his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord, which he kept not; and also for that he asked counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire thereby,
[¹] Or, in.
13. his trespass] compare 2 Chronicles xxvi. 16. The reference is to Saul’s sacrifice (1 Samuel xiii. 13, 14), and disobedience (1 Samuel xv. 23).
asked counsel ... spirit] i.e. of the witch of Endor, 1 Samuel xxviii. 7 ff.
¹⁴and inquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.