But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days.
(1 Samuel 31:11-13 ESV)
The Philistines were having a hay day with the bodies of Saul and his sons, abusing them and parading them about with total disrespect. The armies of Israel were not much better, abandoning them and leaving them behind. But these men did not forget what Saul had done for them, delivering them from the attack of the Ammonites. Despite the downhill slide of Saul over the past several years, they recognized that he was still the king, still human, and still worthy of respect. So they gave it to him the best ways they could: burning the bodies to hide the marks of abuse; burying the bones, which many patriarchs had requested, so that some they they could be dug up and buried in a more appropriate place; fasting: a sign of sincere sorrow and respect. It was the least they could do, and the most they could do. They were not afraid or ashamed to show some respect. What a lost concept in our society. What words, what antics, what thoughts have we had in the last seven days that demonstrate a lack of respect. Let us repent and respect.
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