Chapter 60—Saul Makes a Terrible Mistake
This chapter is based on
1 Samuel 13
;
14
.
After the assembly at Gilgal, Saul disbanded the army that had at
his call arisen to overthrow the Ammonites. Here was a serious error.
His army was filled with hope and courage by the recent victory; and
had he proceeded at once against other enemies of Israel, a telling
blow might have been struck for the liberties of the nation.
Meanwhile, the Philistines were active. They had still retained
some hill fortresses in the land of Israel, and now they established
themselves in the very heart of the country. During the long period of
their oppressive rule, the Philistines had endeavored to strengthen their
power by forbidding the Israelites to practice the trade of smiths, lest
they make weapons of war. The Hebrews still resorted to the Philistine
garrisons for such work as needed to be done. Controlled by the abject
spirit induced by long oppression, the men of Israel had to a great
extent neglected to provide themselves with weapons of war. Bows
and slings the Israelites could obtain, but none among them except
Saul and his son Jonathan possessed a spear or sword.
Not until the second year of Saul’s reign was an attempt made to
subdue the Philistines. The first blow was struck by Jonathan, who
overcame their garrison at Geba. The Philistines, exasperated, made
ready for a speedy attack upon Israel. Saul proclaimed war by the
trumpet, calling all men of war, including the tribes across the Jordan,
to assemble at Gilgal.
The Philistines had gathered an immense force at Michmash—
[448]
“thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and the people
as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude.” Saul and his army
at Gilgal were appalled at thought of the mighty forces they would
have to encounter in battle. Many were so terrified that they dared
not come to the encounter. Others hid in caves and amid rocks in that
region. As the time drew near, desertions rapidly increased, and those
who did not withdraw were filled with terror.
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