The clay continued his story, "The Children of Israel remained on the straight path for a period of time after Moses. They then innovated in the religion and some of them even worshipped the idols. Yet, there were always prophets sent among them who would command them to work righteous deeds, refrain from doing evil and who would rule them according to the commands of the Torah. When they (Israelites) committed the evil that they committed, Allah caused their enemies to overwhelm them, and many fatalities fell among them as a consequence. Their enemies also captured a great number of them, and took over large areas of their land.
Earlier, anyone who would fight the Israelites would lose, because they had the Torah and the Tabut which they inherited generation after generation ever since the time of Moses, who spoke to Allah directly. Yet, the Israelites kept indulging in misguidance until some king took the Tabut from them during a battle. That king also took possession of the Torah, and only a few of the Israelites who memorized it remained. The prophethood halted among their various tribes and only a pregnant woman remained of the offspring of Lavi (Levi), in whom the prophethood still appeared. Her husband had been killed, so the Israelites kept her in a house so that Allah may give her a boy, who would be their Prophet. The woman also kept invoking Allah to grant her a boy. Allah heard her pleas and gave her a boy whom she called ‘Shamwil' meaning 'Allah has heard my pleas. Some people said that the boy’s name was Sham'un (Simeon), which also has a similar meaning.
As that boy grew, Allah raised him to be a righteous person. When he reached the age of prophethood, Allah revealed to him and commanded him to call (his people) to Him and to His Tawhid. Shamwll called the Children of Israel to Allah and they asked him to appoint a king over them so that they could fight their enemies under his command. The kingship had also ended among them. Their Prophet said to them, “ What if Allah appoints a king over you, would you fulfill your vow to fight under his command?
Allah said,
Only a few of them kept their promise, but the majority abandoned Jihad and Allah has full knowledge of them.أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الْمَلإ مِنْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مُوسَى إِذْ قَالُوا لِنَبِيٍّ لَهُمُ ابْعَثْ لَنَا مَلِكًا نُقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَالَ هَلْ عَسَيْتُمْ إِنْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ أَلا تُقَاتِلُوا قَالُوا وَمَا لَنَا أَلا نُقَاتِلَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَقَدْ أُخْرِجْنَا مِنْ دِيَارِنَا وَأَبْنَائِنَا فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقِتَالُ تَوَلَّوْا إِلا قَلِيلا مِنْهُمْ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِالظَّالِمِينَ"Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, "Send to us a king, and we will fight in the way of Allah "? He said, "Would you perhaps refrain from fighting if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said, "And why should we not fight in the cause of Allah when we have been driven out from our homes and from our children?" But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. And Allah is Knowing of the wrongdoers." - [QS.2:246]
Allah says,
When the Israelites asked their Prophet to appoint a king over them, he appointed Talut (Saul), who was then a soldier. But, Talut was not a descendant of the house of kings among them, which was exclusively in the offspring of Yahudha (Judah). This is why they said, "How can he be a king over us?" meaning, how can he be the king for us, when we are fitter than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth? They said that Talut was also poor and did not have the wealth that justifies him being king. Some people stated that Talut used to bring water to the people, while others stated that his profession was dyeing skins. The Israelites, thus, disputed with their Prophet while they were supposed to obey him and to say good words to him. Their Prophet answered them, "Allah chose Talut from amongst you while having better knowledge about him. I did not choose Talut to be your king on my own. Rather, Allah has commanded that upon your request. Talut is more knowledgeable and honorable than you, and stronger and more patient during combat, and has more knowledge of warfare. In short, he has more knowledge and is stronger than you are. The king should have sufficient knowledge, be fair looking and should have a strong soul and body. Allah Alone is the Supreme Authority Who does what He wills and no one can ask Him about His actions, while they will be asked about their actions by Him. This is because Allah has perfect knowledge, wisdom and kindness with His creation His favor is encompassing and He grants His mercy to whom He wills. He also knows those who deserve to be kings and those who do not deserve it.وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا قَالُوا أَنَّى يَكُونُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِنَ الْمَالِ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَاهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُ بَسْطَةً فِي الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْمِ وَاللَّهُ يُؤْتِي مُلْكَهُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ"And their prophet said to them, 'Indeed, Allah has sent to you Talut as a king.' They said, 'How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?' He said, 'Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing'." - [QS.2:247]
Allah has increased Talut abundantly in knowledge and stature. As for the knowledge, some said that it was a knowledge of war strategy. Some said that it was a knowledge in general. As for the stature, some said that he was tall. Some said that he had a handsome face. Talut was the most handsome and smartest person after their Prophet, Shamwil. So, Talut was tall and sturdy, pious, and very intelligent.Reference :
Talut lived and worked with his father on their farm. One day, several of their donkeys were lost. Accompanied by his servant, Talut went in search of them. They traveled for many days and were very tired. Talut said to his servant, "Let us rather go back, for I am sure that my father will be worried by now, and the other animals must also be cared for." His servant suggested that as they were already in the land of Shamwil the prophet, they should go to him to inquire about the lost donkeys. Talut agreed, and they carried on. On their way, they asked directions from some maidens carrying water. They were told to go in the direction of the mountain. Here, a vast crowd was waiting for the Prophet Shamwil. When Talut set eyes on him, he instantly recognized him as a prophet by his holy men. Shamwil also recognized Talut as the king that Allah had chosen for them. Talut greeted the prophet respectfully. When he asked about his missing donkeys, Shamwil told him not to worry, his donkeys were already on their way to his father's farm.
He then told Talut that Allah had chosen him as the king of Bani Israel. His duty would be to take charge of their affairs, to unite them under one banner, and to protect them from their enemies. If he carried out Allah's commands, he would be given victory. Talut was surprised by this sudden honor offered to him. It was also a heavy responsibility. He protested to the prophet that he was a of the children of Benjamin, the least famous of the tribes of Jacob; he did not know anything of leadership or kingship and had no wealth. Shamwil told him that it was the will of Allah that he should be the king, that he should thank Allah for His favor and be strong in faith.
وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ آيَةَ مُلْكِهِ أَنْ يَأْتِيَكُمُ التَّابُوتُ فِيهِ سَكِينَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَبَقِيَّةٌ مِمَّا تَرَكَ آلُ مُوسَى وَآلُ هَارُونَ تَحْمِلُهُ الْمَلائِكَةُ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ"And their prophet said to them, 'Indeed, a sign of his kingship is that the chest will come to you in which is assurance from your Lord and a remnant of what the family of Moses and the family of Aaron had left, carried by the angels. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers'." - [QS.2:248]Their Prophet then proclaimed, “The sign of the blessings of Talut’s kingship over you is that Allah will give you back the Tabut (wooden box) that has been taken from you.” Some said that "assurance (Sakinah) from your Rabb" is peace (or grace) and reassurance. Some said that that Sakinah means mercy. Another said that means grace. As for "a remnan of what the family of Moses and the family of Aaron had left," some said that it contained a pot of manna and the remnants of the Tablets, while some others said that it contained Moses staff and two shoes. Another said that it was Moses' staff and the remnants of the Tablets. Then angels came down while carrying the Tabut between the sky and the earth, until they placed it before Talut while the people were watching. The Tabut was brought to Talut's house, so the people believed in the prophethood of Sham^un (Simeon) and obeyed Talut. Their Prophet then said, "Verily, this is a sign for you, testifying to my truth in what I was sent with my prophethood, and my command to you to obey Talut, if you are indeed believers in Allah and the Hereafter.”
Allah said,
Talut set about organizing his army with strong faith and wisdom. He ordered that only men free from responsibilities should join. Those engaged in building homes, men who were about to be married and those occupied with business should not join. After establishing a well-trained army, he decided to put them to the test. He told them that along the route they would pass a river where they should drink enough water to quench their thirst but not more than that.فَلَمَّا فَصَلَ طَالُوتُ بِالْجُنُودِ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مُبْتَلِيكُمْ بِنَهَرٍ فَمَنْ شَرِبَ مِنْهُ فَلَيْسَ مِنِّي وَمَنْ لَمْ يَطْعَمْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مِنِّي إِلا مَنِ اغْتَرَفَ غُرْفَةً بِيَدِهِ فَشَرِبُوا مِنْهُ إِلا قَلِيلا مِنْهُمْ فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَهُ هُوَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ قَالُوا لا طَاقَةَ لَنَا الْيَوْمَ بِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِ قَالَ الَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُمْ مُلاقُو اللَّهِ كَمْ مِنْ فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَAnd when Talut went forth with the soldiers, he said, "Indeed, Allah will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, excepting one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand." But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, "There is no power for us today against Jalut and his soldiers." But those who were certain that they would meet Allah said, "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient." - [QS.2:249]
Eighty thousand men went out with Talut. Now Jalut (Goliath) was one of the strongest of men and the most courageous. He went forth ahead of the troops, and his companions would not join him until he himself put to flight whomever he met. When Bani Israel went forth, Talut said to them, "Indeed, Allah will test you by a river. Whoever drinks of it, he is not of me, and whoever does not taste of it is of me." Whoever took some of it (the river’s water) in the hollow of his hand, quenched his thirst; as for those who drank freely from it, their thirst was not quenched.
But they drank from it out of fear of Jalut; only four thousand of them crossed with Talut, while seventy-six thousand turned back. Those who drank of it became thirsty, while those who did not drink of it, except in the palms of their hands, had their thirst quenched.
And after he had crossed it, he and those who believed with him, and they saw Jalut, they too turned back, they said, "There is no power for us today against Jalut and his soldiers." They saw their numbers as too little and too weak if they had to face more enemies. But those who were certain that they would meet Allah, said, "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient." Those who were courageous, believers, confident and patient, motivated them to remain steadfast in facing war.
To his disappointment, Talut discovered the majority of his men drank more water than they should have. He discharged them for disobedience and kept only the few who had obeyed him, as they were the ones who proved their sincerity. This resulted in a split in the army, but he was not bothered. He believed in quality and not numbers; better a small band of true believers he could rely on than a huge army of unreliable men.
Three thousand six hundred and eighty-odd also turned back, so Talut departed with three hundred and nineteen. The battle between the Children of Israel and the Philistines prefigures the battle of Badr. At Badr, too, a small number of Muslims would face a much larger army and defeat it. The passage thus prepares the Muslims for the battle, at the same time encouraging them. When the Battle of Badr took place, the People of the Book in Arabia could not have failed to notice the resemblance between this battle and the battle between the Children of Israel and the Philistines.
Allah said,
Talut's men sighted the enemy on the other side of the river. Their opponents appeared physically strong and were armed with better weapons. They were led by the mighty warrior Jalut, known for his huge build and brute strength. A great number of Talut's men ran away on seeing this strong force. The small band that remained was willing to fight, whatever the outcome, for they had heard that there had been many incidents in the past in which Allah had caused a small force to defeat a larger one. When the two troops were facing each other, Jalut appeared while challenging. Then Dawud (David) advanced, then Jalut said to him, "Go back. I don't want to kill you." Dawud said, "But I want to kill you."وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِ قَالُوا رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ"And when they went forth to [face] Jalut and his soldiers, they said, 'Our Rabb, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people'." - [QS.2:250]
Then the clay said, "O my brothers and sisters, sovereignty and leadership is not dependant upon wealth and riches, nor on offspring or lineage, but knowledge and strength are such qualities which could be made criteria. For a proper ruler, it is required that he should be abundantly endowed with knowledge and with bodily prowess.
All Divine laws are expressions of Divine mercy. Allah does not allow evil to become dominant forever but keeps purging it, for otherwise endless misery for mankind would be the result. Jihād is an important means of eliminating evil. When truth and false hood meet in battle and on the side of truth, we find sincere ones with passions of sacrifice in them standing up to defend the side of truth and inside them there is self-reliance and dependence on Allah. So, there is a relationship between Divine Law and Divine Mercy, saying that Allah has put that law in force because He is merciful. And Allah knows best."
فَهَزَمُوهُمْ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَقَتَلَ دَاوُدُ جَالُوتَ وَآتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاءُ وَلَوْلا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لَفَسَدَتِ الأرْضُ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ"So they defeated them by permission of Allah, and Dawud killed Jalut, and Allah gave him the kingship and prophethood and taught him from that which He willed. And if it were not for Allah checking [some] people by means of others, the earth would have been corrupted, but Allah is full of bounty to the worlds." - [QS.2:251]
- Maulana Hifzur Rahman Soeharwy, Qasasul Ambiyaa, Idara Impex
- Syaikh Safiurrahman Al-Mubarakpuri, Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged) Volume I, Darussalam
- Ibn Kathir, Stories of The Prophets, Darussalam
- The History of al-Tabari, The Children of Israel, Volume III, Translated by William M. Brinner, SUNY Press.
