In today’s reading - two accounts of the same event which are virtually identical - the Philistines make war against Israel and the armies of Saul, and prevail. All three of Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, are killed in battle, and Saul is mortally wounded. In both accounts when Saul sees that his cause is utterly lost, he commands his own armor bearer to run him through, and when he refuses, commits suicide, ending his reign.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission