426
From Eternity Past
his army with courage. He could not lead the minds of Israel to look
to God as their helper. Thus the prediction of evil would work its own
accomplishment.
The Sad End of the “Anointed of the Lord”
The armies of Israel and the Philistines closed in mortal combat.
Though the fearful scene in the cave of Endor had driven all hope
from his heart, Saul fought with desperate valor. But it was in vain.
“The men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain
in Mount Gilboa.” Saul had seen his soldiers falling around him and
[494]
his three princely sons cut down by the sword. Himself wounded, he
could neither fight nor flee. Escape was impossible and, determined
not be taken alive by the Philistines, Saul took his own life by falling
upon his sword.
Thus the first king of Israel perished, with the guilt of self-murder
on his soul. His life had been a failure, and he went down in dishonor
and despair.
The tidings of defeat spread far and wide, carrying terror to all
Israel. The people fled from the cities and the Philistines took undis-
turbed possession. Saul’s reign, independent of God, had well-nigh
proved the ruin of his people.
On the day following, the Philistines discovered the bodies of Saul
and his three sons. They cut off the head of Saul and stripped him
of his armor. Then the head and the armor, reeking with blood, were
sent to the country of the Philistines as a trophy of victory, “to publish
it in the house of their idols, and among the people.” Thus the glory
of victory was ascribed to the power of false gods, and the name of
Jehovah was dishonored.
In Beth-shan the bodies of Saul and his sons were hung up in
chains, to be devoured by birds of prey. But the brave men of Jabesh-
gilead, remembering Saul’s deliverance in earlier and happier years,
now manifested their gratitude by rescuing the bodies of the king
and princes and giving them honorable burial. Thus the noble deed
performed forty years before, secured for Saul and his sons burial by
tender and pitying hands in that dark hour of defeat and dishonor.
[495]