Philistines attacked Saul’s Israelite army and sent the warriors running for their lives. Many died on Mount Gilboa.Philistines began to overrun King Saul’s position. They killed three of his sons there: Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.
Saul falls on his sword
Philistines pushed hard, and soon the archers got Saul in range. They hit him and wounded him badly.Saul told the soldier in charge of his armor and weapons, “Finish this. Take your sword and drive it through me. I don’t want pagan Philistines to use me for target practice before they kill me,” The terrified soldier refused. So, Saul picked up his own sword and fell on it.When the soldier saw the king was dead, he fell on his sword, too. He died with his king.Saul and his three sons and his weapons man all died the same day.
THE KING IS DEAD
News of Israel’s defeat spread. Many Israelites emptied their towns because they knew the Philistines were coming to take them. These included Israelites beyond the north side of the Jezreel valley and Israelites east of the Jordan River. Philistines moved into those homes.
The story is in 1 Samuel 31. For other Bible versions, see Bible Gateway.
