PETER KNOBEL

armor-bearer refuses. Saul and the armor-bearer commit suicide to prevent torture and humiliation by the Philistines . The Biblical text neither condemns Saul nor his armor-bearer. While some of the subsequent rabbinic discussion argues that Saul , as king, is to be considered a special case; it is clear that his biography and person require an end with dignity. The act, in fact, preserves his dignity. Potential abuse seems to justify suicide. As we apply this to the question of the terminally ill, when continued medical care is no longer effective and there is no hope of recovery or even of amelioration, we must ask whether continued medical treatment does not constitute abuse or torture? It is Saul who initiates the request for help in killing himself. While this was a situation with no opportunity for reflection, we may correctly assume that Saul ’s decision was based on the fact that he was mortally wounded and that the maintenance of biological life was not in his best interest.

A second version of the story appears in II Samuel 1.* Here Saul is presented as too weak to kill himself and an Amalekite agrees to kill him, asserting that he could not have survived in any case. While David punishes the Amalekite for killing Saul , David’s act seems to be more concerned with the political ramifications than the legitimacy of the act itself. This passage describes an act of active voluntary euthanasia. The Amalekite justifies his act both on the fact that Saul is dying and that Saul requests him to do so.* It is clear that the Amalekite believes he has done the correct thing.

While there is a general condemnation of suicide in Jewish tradition, it is permitted when continuing to live violates a fundamental principle of what life is all about. It is not only permitted but considered praiseworthy. Martyrdom is designated gidush hashem(sanctification of the divine name).

On one occasion four hundred boys and girls were

carried off for immoral purposes. They divined what they were wanted for and said to themselves,"If we

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