In the early days of their history, the Israelite tribes had lived in small, scattered, settlements. The first of the kings of Israel was Saul. He consolidated the tribes, and managed to defeat the enemy of the Israelite tribes, the Philistines, in battle. The Philistines came back, and suggested that the battle should be resolved by a person to person combat. Saul appointed David, a young shepherd boy, while the Philistines were represented by a huge giant of a man called Goliath. Although they appeared unevenly matched, David killed Goliath with a well aimed stone from his slingshot, and the Philistines were once again defeated.
Sadly, Saul became jealous of David’s popularity after this encounter, and tried to kill him. David escaped, and later joined the Philistines to meet the Israelites in battle. This time, the Philistines defeated the Israelites, and Saul was badly wounded by the archers as he tried to flee. He asked his armour bearer to kill him, but he refused, so Saul committed suicide by falling on his sword and the armour bearer followed him.
