Page 205 - Bible History

The Philis­ lines in lhe land Juda
178 GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE UNDER KINGS
nites were defeated and driven back to their own territory.
The Israelites rejoiced over their victory. Saul was recognized everywhere as king, and they threatened with death anyone who opposed him. Saul was now as great a man in the eyes of the people as Gedeon had been after he had defeated the Madianites. Samuel and Saul assembled the people at Galgal and there Saul was formally anointed king of the Israelites.
In the latter days of Samuel, when his sons were governing Israel, the Philistines had encroached more and more on the land of Juda. Saul now sent his son, Jonathan, with an army of one thousand men to attack them at Gabaa, where they had a camp. Jonathan was successful in the attack and drove the Philistines out of the camp.
The Philistines now poured into the country in greater numbers. The Israelites were so frightened that they ed away.
When Saul saw his soldiers deserting him, some eeing across the Jordan, others joining the Philis­ tines, he became impatient. He wanted to begin the battle, but Samuel had ordered him not to begin until he should come and o er sacri ce. Saul disobeyed him and o ered sacri ce himself.
A few hours later Samuel arrived. He rebuked Saul for his impatience and foretold that the kingship would pass from Saul's family in punishment for this act of disobedience.
Saul had displeased God, but God led him to many
Saul's
to victories for the sake of the Israelites. Abner was