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Saul made his mistakes, but the Deuteronomic editors of the books of Samuel in the OT found no fault with the state of the YHWH-faith during his reign. Saul's initial victories over the Philistines had no doubt reminded the Israelites of YHWH's support in times of danger, and as the 12 tribes united under the one authoritative leader, this inevitably brought their common Covenant bond with YHWH to the forefront of the new kingdom's consciousness. Even during Saul's darkest days, feeling cut off from Samuel and the Spirit of YHWH, there is no suggestion that he defected to other gods. When, at the end of his life he did seek out the necromancer at Endor, it is noted that he had purged Israel of such people.

Saul remained popular, and kept the loyalty of his people, his servants, and his family throughout his life, even as his bouts of depression became increasingly obvious. Saul, however, was the first to recognise David's hidden ambition. He watched David's growing popularity with the people, with Jonathan, and with the princesses who both wanted to marry him, and said, 'what more can he have but the kingdom?'

David did become the great king of the future, but the author-editors of our records made sure that he became king without a stain on his character, or by usurping the throne. Certainly he was clever, handsome, strong, fearless, cunning, and full of ambition, and popular too, even though he was from the southern tribe of Judah. We are led to believe that he was the great hero of YHWH during the 10^th cent BCE, but his personal faith in YHWH was probably not greater than Saul's, - unless he really was the author of such psalms as No.23! David's rise to kingship was certainly full of danger, and he might well never have survived, but he , like Saul always commanded the total loyalty of all who served under him, and he proved a brilliant leader, both in battle, and in peace time.

Saul's jealousy first became apparent to David himself when Saul threw his spear at David while he was playing his lyre. Then Saul tried to prevent David from becoming his son-in-law: first Merab was married off to someone else, and then Saul imposed a heavy bride-price for his daughter, Michal, hoping that the Philistines would kill David in the process. David won, and married Michal.

Saul's next attempts to kill David were thwarted by both Jonathan, and Michal who let him out of the window and put a dummy in his bed. Jonathan discovered his father's plot to have David killed during the New Moon festival, and to protect his father from future regrets, he warned David to escape by a coded message with an arrow. David and Jonathan parted with great sadness for both of them. They did not meet again.

David had previously made contact with Samuel at the new prophetic centre at Naioth; now he went to the new priestly centre at Nob. Here he met Eli's grandson, Ahimelech, and told him an odd story to get food for his men. Ahimelech's suspicions were allayed; he not only gave David bread reserved for priests, but also the sword of Goliath! (he did not notice, however that the Edomite, Doeg, was taking note, and would tell Saul at the first opportunity!) David continued on his way, with his few followers, and entered the Philistine territory of King Achish of Gath for safety. He did not get a warm welcome there at first, so pretended to be insane, and escaped again.

David remained in the far south, and set up camp in the Cave of Adullam. There he became a Robin-Hood-style leader of a bunch of fugitives from justice, and was joined by members of his family, about 400 in all. When danger pressed he went into Moab, claiming asylum for his family.

Saul degenerated further, distancing himself from Jonathan, his servants, and his fellow-Benjaminites, and when he heard from Doeg that the priests at Nob had helped David he sent for Ahimelech and ordered his servants to kill him. When they demurred, Doeg obliged, and also killed all the priests of Nob, with only one exception. Abiathar, son of Ahimelech escaped, and quickly went to join David in exile. He became David's main adviser, assuring David of YHWH's support. (He later became a significant person in the continuity of the YHWH-faith in Jerusalem). Saul nearly caught David but was called away to deal with an urgent Philistine raid, so David survived, and fled once more to the Cave of En-gedi, near the Dead Sea.

Twice, (or is it two accounts of the same event?), David had the unexpected opportunity to kill Saul, while he was being hunted. David refused, saying it was wrong to kill the King whom YHWH had anointed. This was not only noble and right, but it was also a good policy to establish for the future! He did enjoy taunting Saul afterwards, however, and would not trust himself to be in Saul's company again. It was at this time that old Samuel died.

David gradually accrued considerable wealth at this time, which was very important for the future. First he married Abigail. She was the wife of a surly and mean rich man, Nabal, who refused to give David provisions for his men. Abigail saved the situation by bringing plenty, and saved David's reputation which would have suffered if his men had taken action against Nabal. When Nabal heard what his wife had done he had a heart attack, and died! David married the widow. He also married the wealthy woman, Ahinoam, from Jezreel, for Saul has remarried Michal to another man.

When David had to flee again, nowhere seemed safe in Israel, so he fled to the Philistines' territories claiming sanctuary for his wives, his family, and his followers. For this privilege he was forced to become the vassal of King Achish, but was given command of Ziklag in the far south. While King Achish thought David was raiding Israelite outposts for supplies, David was really attacking groups of Israel's traditional enemies, taking all their wealth, but leaving no survivors to tell the tale.

THE BATTLE AT MT. GILBOA: The Philistines were aware of Saul's weakness now David was no longer on his side, and massed their troops for a decisive attack on the Plain of Jezreel. Achish summoned his vassal, David, to report for fighting with the Philistines, but David's reputation was saved when the other Philistine leaders refused to have him with them, lest he defaulted to Israel in the middle of the battle. The Philistines chose the place for battle, and waited for Saul.

Saul was desperate and in deep despair. He felt totally cut off from YHWH, and had no prophet to advise him. Unbelievably he went to Endor, in disguise, to ask the necromancer to summon up the spirit of Samuel from the dead. This she did, but there was no comfort or encouragement for Saul. In sympathy, she fed him before he left to go out into 'the night'.

Next day the demoralized Saul and the Israelite armies were decisively beaten in battle. Three of Saul's sons were killed, including Jonathon, and Saul was mortally wounded. When his armour-bearer could not kill him, he fell on his own sword, and died. The Philistines mutilated his body as a trophy of war, but it was rescued by the people of Jabesh-gilead Whom Saul had helped at the beginning of his reign. Now the Philistines were masters of the whole land.

Saul's weakling son, Ishbosheth, became the next King, with the strong support of Abner. David kept out of the way down in the south. An Amalekite who had been at Gilboa arrived, bringing Saul's crown and armlet to David, expecting a big reward when he claimed to have killed Saul while he was dying from his injuries. David killed him, for killing YHWH's anointed. The beautiful old poem in 2 Sam 2 is thought to have been written by David, himself.

David went to Hebron in Judah, the home of Abigail, and gave many presents to leading people there, with the result that they made him their King. (The Philistines seemed unworried, because he was still their vassal). David reigned in Hebron for 7 years, during which time Abner killed one of David's men, and more skirmishes followed. Some time later, Abner upset Ishbosheth and defected to David. David, in accepting him, demanded the return of his wife Michal, but it was not long before Abner was assassinated in a revenge attack. David, of course, was nowhere near at the time!

Ishbosheth was now without the support he needed, and soon was assassinated himself while asleep in his bed. David, of course, was nowhere near at the time! Then the people of Israel came to Hebron in Judah, and made a covenant with David who agreed to become their King! At last. And the next 33 years saw a complete reversal of Israel's fortunes in the 'golden reign' of King David.