Chapter 66—The Death of Saul
Again war was declared between Israel and the Philistines. “The
Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in
Shunem,” on the northern edge of the plain of Jezreel; while Saul
and his forces encamped but a few miles distant, at the foot of Mount
Gilboa, on the southern border of the plain. It was on this plain that
Gideon, with three hundred men, had put to flight the hosts of Midian.
But the spirit that inspired Israel’s deliverer was widely different from
that which now stirred the heart of the king. Gideon went forth strong
in faith in the mighty God of Jacob; but Saul felt himself to be alone and
defenseless, because God had forsaken him. As he looked abroad upon
the Philistine host, “he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.”
Saul had learned that David and his force were with the Philistines,
and he expected that the son of Jesse would take this opportunity to
revenge the wrongs he had suffered. The king was in sore distress.
It was his own unreasoning passion, spurring him on to destroy the
chosen of God, that had involved the nation in so great peril. While he
had been engrossed in pursuing David he had neglected the defense
of his kingdom. The Philistines, taking advantage of its unguarded
condition, had penetrated into the very heart of the country. Thus while
Satan had been urging Saul to employ every energy in hunting David,
that he might destroy him, the same malignant spirit had inspired the
Philistines to seize their opportunity to work Saul’s ruin and overthrow
the people of God. How often is the same policy still employed by
the archenemy! He moves upon some unconsecrated heart to kindle
envy and strife in the church, and then, taking advantage of the divided
condition of God’s people, he stirs up his agents to work their ruin.
On the morrow Saul must engage the Philistines in battle. The
shadows of impending doom gathered dark about him; he longed for
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help and guidance. But it was in vain that he sought counsel from God.
“The Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by
prophets.” The Lord never turned away a soul that came to Him in
sincerity and humility. Why did he turn Saul away unanswered? The
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