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23 verses. After only two years to the reign of Israel's first king, Saul, the beach and flatland dwellers the Philistines decide to test the new king. It appears that the Philistines had some control over Israel since it says that they have forced Israel to come to the philistine ironsmith to fix and sharpen a sickel and a plower, insuring that Israel will not have ironsmith skills, allowing them to build weapons. When the Philistine rise, Israel is concerned and fearful. Many hide in small caves. The Philistines contolled the beach side flatland since they had superior charriots, but were weaker in the mountains where the advantage was nullified. King Saul tries to group up for western challenge, and he waits for Shmuel to come to a God fearing ceremony. For some reason Shmuel is tardy, so after seven days King Saul starts the ceremony without him. Shmuel then shows up, and becomes furious, telling the king that he disobeyed God's will (without being specific), and telling on behalf of God (perhaps making it up in his anger), that Saul kingdom will not rise, because God was looking for a man of his liking. Indeed the Philistine mount a very powerful, military correct and impressive campaign to defeat Israel.
52 verses. Yonatan (Johnathan), Saul son, take brave initiative, successfully engages the enemy. God seems to sow confusion in their superior ranks. Saul wants to exploit the victory and keep chasing the fleeing Philistines so he issues an order: no meal no food, no bread till the night -- to use the time to chase. Yonathan who is waging the war from another corner is not aware of his father's decree, and tastes some good honey on his way. His father finds out and says that his order prevails over his paternal feelings and Yonatan must die. Since Yonatan was the hero of today's victory, the people rise in protest and save Yonatan's life. The King cements his position, goes on to defeat the eastern enemies, the Moavites, and the Adomites. Alas, since the fit of anger of Shmuel against Saul, the relationships between the two are quite tense.