After their initial victory and entry into the Holy Land, the Israelites established a peaceful and prosperous state. However, as time passed, they once again strayed from the righteous path and descended into wickedness. In response to their transgressions,
Allah tested them with a cruel and oppressive king, known as Jaloot, or
Goliath, who hailed from the neighboring Philistine nation, the Canaanites.
In their time of distress, the Israelites beseeched their prophet to send them a strong leader who could help them resist the Canaanites. Allah chose Taloot as their king and leader, a decision that surprised many Israelites, as Taloot was not a well-known figure at the time.
In line with their request, Prophet Shamweel (Samuel) appointed Talut (Saul) as their king. Despite his humble background, Talut possessed knowledge, physical strength, and wisdom. The Israelites, accustomed to selecting kings based on wealth and lineage, questioned his suitability. However, Shamweel explained that Allah had chosen Talut for his unique qualities, including his knowledge, strength, and courage in battle.
Shamweel assured them that Allah’s blessings would manifest through the return of the Tabut, a sacred wooden box that had been taken from them earlier. The miraculous return of the Tabut served as a sign of Allah’s favor.
Talut introduced a test to the Israelites, instructing them not to drink from a river they encountered during their journey to battle, except for those who would scoop water with their hands. About 80,000 soldeires lined up to confront the Jaloot. Most of them drank freely, and as a result, the majority withdrew from the army, leaving only 313 faithful individuals who adhered to the prohibition.
This devoted army sought Allah’s assistance, understanding that victory depended solely on His support. They prayed for patience, strength, and triumph. Allah granted their supplications, and with His divine aid, they vanquished their enemies, with Dawud (David) ultimately defeating Jaloot.
Talut kept his promise and honored Dawud, the one who had conquered Jaloot by granting him the hand of his daughter in marriage, along with a share of his kingship and authority. Subsequently, the kingship passed to Prophet Dawud, along with his prophethood, in accordance with Allah’s divine decree.
“This marks the third article in the series ‘Masjidul Aqsa: The Spiritual Heart of Palestine and the Land of Prophets.’ Stay tuned for Part 4. Written by Abdu Shaheed Azhary, available at moralstudy.com.