Saul fights the Philistines in the Valley of Jezreel, and for the first time their chariots may have given the Philistines a decided advantage. But even more important is the fact that God has abandoned Saul, weakening the armies of Israel (31:1–6). As the battle rages three of Saul’s sons are killed, including Jonathan, the crown prince and David’s close friend. One son—called Ish-Bosheth or Esh-Baal—survives, and he will serve as king briefly. Saul’s leading general, Abner, also somehow lives through the battle. Saul himself is critically wounded by the archers and asks his armor bearer to finish him off. When the armor bearer refuses to kill him, Saul …