enemies on account of their lack of unity that they were willing to
take the risk of organizing themselves as a kingdom under Saul.

=The first victories over the Philistines.=--Soon there came a summons
to battle. The first encounter turned out well for the Hebrews. One of
Saul's sons named Jonathan was especially brave and skillful as a
leader, and was much loved by the people. Other victories followed.
More and more clans and tribes flocked to Saul's standard. A young man
from Judah, named David, became famous as a captain and was made the
chief commander of Saul's armies. The Philistines were not driven out
from their forts, but they were held in check and the sky seemed
brighter. There was a chance now for victory and peace. Everyone was
hopeful for better things. When the soldiers came back from fighting
the Philistines, the women would go to meet them with songs and
dances. One of their songs ran like this:

="Saul has slain his thousands
And David his ten thousands."=

=Saul's jealousy.=--When Saul heard of this couplet he was jealous.
"They gave more glory to David than to me," he thought. "One of these
days, they will make him king in my place." His son Jonathan did not
share his fears. He loved and trusted David. But from that time
forward Saul hated David, and finally drove him out as a fugitive.
Instead of fighting the Philistines he spent all his strength chasing
David from town to town and from cave to cave. Of course the
Philistines took advantage of this quarrel between the two ablest men
among their foes and came back with a strong counter attack. Saul's
own life was forfeited and that of Jonathan also in a disastrous
defeat. The Philistines were masters once more. Saul's kingdom also