Consequence of disobedience

Samuel told Saul that once he had rejected the word of God, God has also rejected him as the King of Israel. As a result, the spirit of God departed from him. An evil spirit from the Lord tormented him to the point of insanity. Only the sound of music could soothe Saul’s mental illness. Saul’s officials recommended David the son of Jesse to play for Saul who was a seasoned and competent musician. God instructed Samuel to appoint David as Saul’s successor. As the spirit of God departed from Saul, it moved unto David when he was appointed. He was also enlisted in the king’s service. David’s fame and skill grew, and many times, Saul attempted to kill him out of envy and so David went into hiding.

The Philistines waged a war against the Israelites on Mount of Gilboa. Israel lost the battle and those that survived fled in panic. The Philistines killed Saul’s three sons Jonathan, Malchishua and Abinadab. Saul was badly wounded and ordered his armour bearer to kill him so that he would not die in the hands of the uncircumcised Philistines. His armor bearer refused, Saul fell on his sword and died, when his armour bearer saw this, he fell on his sword too and died.

The Israelites living beyond the Jordan fled from their cities when they saw what happened. Next day, the Philistines came to strip off the slain enemies. They cut off Saul’s head, stripped him of his armour and spread the news. They fastened Saul’s armour to the temple of Ashtaroth and his body to the walls of Bethshan. The men of Jabesh-Gilead heard of the shameful treatment given to Saul and his men. They recovered Saul’s body and those of his children in the night. They burnt their bodies, buried their bones under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, mourned and fasted for seven days.