Death of Saul
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he should yield to her request for the preservation of his own. His
servants joining their entreaties, Saul yielded at last, and the woman
set before him the fatted calf and unleavened bread hastily prepared.
What a scene!—In the wild cave of the sorceress, which but a little
before had echoed with the words of doom—in the presence of Satan’s
messenger—he who had been anointed of God as king over Israel sat
down to eat, in preparation for the day’s deadly strife.
Before the break of day he returned with his attendants to the
camp of Israel to make ready for the conflict. By consulting that spirit
of darkness Saul had destroyed himself. Oppressed by the horror
of despair, it would be impossible for him to inspire his army with
courage. Separated from the Source of strength, 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.
On the plain of Shunem and the slopes of Mount Gilboa the armies
of Israel and the hosts of 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 for his throne and his
kingdom. But it was in vain. “The men of Israel fled from before the
Philistines, and fell down slain in Mount Gilboa.” Three brave sons of
the king died at his side. The archers pressed upon Saul. He had seen
his soldiers falling around him and his princely sons cut down by the
sword. Himself wounded, he could neither fight nor fly. Escape was
impossible, and determined not to be taken alive by the Philistines,
he bade his armor-bearer, “Draw thy sword, and thrust me through
therewith.” When the man refused to lift his hand against the Lord’s
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anointed, Saul took his own life by falling upon his sword.
Thus the first king of Israel perished, with the guilt of self-murder
upon his soul. His life had been a failure, and he went down in dishonor
and despair, because he had set up his own perverse will against the
will of God.
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 engagement, the Philistines, searching
the battlefield to rob the slain, discovered the bodies of Saul and his
three sons. To complete their triumph, they cut off the head of Saul and