The first 9 chapters are mostly a list of the families of some of the tribes of Israel, but the most important tribe was Judah. The great king was David and we learn that he was the first king of God’s choice for His people Israel. Into this tribe Jesus was born about 1,000 years later. So I would suggest that we start reading today in the 10th chapter.
In Chronicles we’ll see that blessing follows obedience. Each one of us needs to learn and remember this; and prove it in our life. Today, we see the opposite the result of disobedience to God’s Word.
V.1-6 The Lord allowed the Philistines — the most powerful of Israel’s enemies — to overcome Saul and his army. Here we read the result of what was said by the Lord about Saul before this (Read 1 Sam. 15:10-11). The Philistines can be an important lesson for us to learn. Think of them as Satan’s power against the believer in Christ today. The Philistines were stronger than Israel, just as Satan is stronger than we as individuals. But whenever the Lord saw that Israel was obedient, the Philistines were immediately defeated when they attacked Israel. So too with us. “To obey is better than to sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22).
V.8-10 The Philistines made a big display of their victory over Saul.
V.11-12 Brave men recovered the bodies of Saul and his sons. Notice particularly what they did for 7 days. God noticed that because He tells us.
V.13-14 Notice why Saul died! Notice against Whom he transgressed! Notice against what! Notice what he didn’t keep! Notice what he asked help from! Notice Whom he didn’t ask! Notice who was given the kingdom!