(a) Describe Saul's battle with the Philistines on Mount Gilboa [11 marks]
(b) Give two reasons why the outcome of this battle could be blamed on Saul. [4 marks]
a.(1) The Philistines engaged the people of Israel in battle.
(2) Saul's few surviving troops fled in panic after suffering a crushing defeat.
(3) The Phillistines overtook Saul and killed his three sons (including Jonathan).
(4) Saul, badly wounded, ordered his amour-bearer to kill him to prevent being killed by uncircumcised Philistines.
(5) However, his amour-bearer would not do this.
(6) Saul fell upon his sword and died.
(7) His armour-bearer also killed himself.
(8) People of Israel living beyond the Jordan who saw what had happened forsook their cities and fled.
(9) Next day, the Philistine troops came to strip off the slain enemies and discovered Saul and his children among them.
(10) They cut off Saul's head/stripped off his armour and spread the news.
(11) They fastened Saul's armour in one of their temples and his body on the city wall.
(12) The men of Jabesh - Gilead heard of the shameful treatment meted out to Saul and their valiant men.
(13) They went, by night, to recover Saul's body and those of his children.
(14) Their bodies were cremated at Jabesh-Gilead and they mourned/fasted for seven days.
(b) Why Saul is to be blamed:
(i) Saul's tragic failure on Mount Gilboa was a delayed consequence of his disobedience (War against the Amalekites).
(ii) Saul had desecrated the land of Israel by bringing in booty destined for destruction/placed under taboe.
(iii) Israel had to suffer for Saul's sin.
(iv) David, a source of inspiration to Saul, had been driven away.
(v) The spirit of God was no longer with Saul.
(vi) Saul forsook God and consulted a Medium at Endor.
(vii) Saul wasted his time pursuing David instead of concentration on the administration of his kingdom.
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