After the Sea Peoples failed to capture Egypt, they seem to have struck a deal with the Pharaohs, settling around Canaan before pushing into Judea. The Philistines managed to establish forts and garrisons deep into the Judean mountain territory, including a stronghold at Gibeah, just three miles north of Jerusalem. This site overlooked several of the Israelite tribes and was within easy raiding distance.
Saul faced a further threat from the East in the form of another group, the Ammonites, who tried to take advantage of the weakness of Judah to seize more of their territory. Saul's first campaign was to march to the relief of Jabesh-gilead, a city under siege from the Ammonites. The tribes of Israel were notoriously divided, with many bitter rivalries. Saul was forced to threaten to kill the cattle of the fractious tribes if
