10:4-7 Suicide Is a Costly Choice Saul took his own life because he would not allow himself to be abused by the Philistines. It is not uncommon for people to think or say that they would rather die than experience some grief or humiliation. But Saul’s choice multiplied the suffering endured by the Israelites, who lost their homes as a result of the disheartening effect Saul’s death had on his army. Suicide always touches more lives than one.