Inquiry:
How did Saul die? Did he commit suicide (1 Samuel 31:4-6; 1 Chronicles 10:4), or was he killed by an Amalekite (2 Samuel 1:8-10), the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:12), or God (1 Chronicles 10:14)? Is there a contradiction?
Response:
In 1 Samuel 28:18-19, Samuel, called forth by a medium, told Saul he would die the next day in battle because he did not obey the Lord. “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness…” (1 Chronicles 10:13). Verse 14 says the LORD killed him.
How did the LORD kill him? Samuel said he’d die in battle against the Philistines, and so yes, as 2 Samuel 21:12 tells us, Saul was killed by the Philistines. He was severely wounded by the Philistine archers (1 Samuel 31:3). He knew he would die from his wounds, but feared his enemies would torture him first. Thus, he asked his armor bearer to finish him off (1 Samuel 31:4). He would not.
Since his armor bearer would not grant his request, Saul took his own sword and fell on it (1 Samuel 31:4). So yes, it is true that Saul committed suicide.
What of the Amalekite who said he killed Saul (2 Samuel 1:8-10)? It may be Saul’s effort to end his own life failed and he called this man to help him. Or it may be that the man was an opportunist, and found Saul dead and took advantage of it. He thought David would reward him for bringing the the crown and bracelet from Saul. David did not, but put him to death.
A lot of things happened surrounding Saul’s death. They all fit together.
There is no contradiction.
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