In First Chronicles, chapter ten, verse one, begins a historical summary of the past of Israel, starting with the monarchial era. The chapter states the reason for Saul’s rejection and the transfer of the kingdom to David, as in verses thirteen through fourteen. The remaining events deal with the history of David and the enduring significance of his reign.
In the campaign of Gilboa, the Philistines showed a new and skillful strategy. Instead of at once marching eastward up the ravines which lead into Judah and Benjamin, in which there was no room for their chariots as in Second Samuel one, verse six to manœuvre, they first marched northward along the sea coast and then turning eastward just before reaching Mount Carmel. This movement brought them into the great fertile plain watered by the Kishon, ground over which chariots could act with decisive effect. At the northeast end of the plain rose the heights of Gilboa. When Saul and his Benjamites advanced to meet the Philistines, the latter succeeded by interposing themselves between the Israelite army and its base in Benjamin, which is an easy achievement for an enemy who, by his chariots, possessed a high degree of mobility. Saul was compelling to take up his position on the north side of the plain on Mount Gilboa, where he was attacked by the Philistines, probably from the southwest, on which side the slopes are comparatively gentle. The Israelites were cut off from their homes, outmarched, outgeneralled, and probably outnumbered, and speedily routed. The battle of Gilboa was won like Hastings by cavalry (chariots) and archers as in First Chronicles ten, verse three against infantry, which was obliged to stand on the defensive, under pain of being cut to pieces if it ventured to attack.
The enemy will use various tactics against believers in an attempt to separate God from His children. The devil will use strangers, co-workers, relatives, and neighbors to overcome the will and desire of those who strive and continue to serve God.