Chapter 60—The Presumption of Saul
This chapter is based on
1 Samuel 13
;
1 Samuel 14
.
After the assembly at Gilgal, Saul disbanded the army that had
at his call arisen to overthrow the Ammonites, reserving only two
thousand men to be stationed under his command at Michmash and
one thousand to attend his son Jonathan at Gibeah. 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 their warlike neighbors, the Philistines, were active.
After the defeat at Ebenezer they had still retained possession of some
hill fortresses in the land of Israel, and now they established themselves
in the very heart of the country. In facilities, arms, and equipments the
Philistines had great advantage over Israel. During the long period of
their oppressive rule they had endeavored to strengthen their power by
forbidding the Israelites to practice the trade of smiths, lest they should
make weapons of war. After the conclusion of peace the Hebrews had
still resorted to the Philistine garrisons for such work as needed to
be done. Controlled by love of ease and 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 were used
in warfare, and these the Israelites could obtain; but there were none
among them, except Saul and his son Jonathan, who possessed a spear
or a sword.
It was not until the second year of Saul’s reign that an attempt was
made to subdue the Philistines. The first blow was struck by Jonathan,
the king’s son, who attacked and overcame their garrison at Geba. The
Philistines, exasperated by this defeat, made ready for a speedy attack
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upon Israel. Saul now caused war to be proclaimed by the sound of the
trumpet throughout the land, calling upon all the men of war, including
the tribes across the Jordan, to assemble at Gilgal. This summons was
obeyed.
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