It was not until the second year of Saul's reign that an attempt was made to subdue the Philistines. The first blow was struck by Jonathan, the king's son, who attacked and overcame their garrison at Geba. The Philistines, exasperated by this 617 defeat, made ready for a speedy attack upon Israel. Saul now caused war to be proclaimed by the sound of the trumpet throughout the land, calling upon all the men of war, including the tribes across the Jordan, to assemble at Gilgal. This summons was obeyed.

Der blev ikke gjort forsøg på at besejre filisterne før i Sauls andet regeringsår. Kongens søn, Jonatan, rettede det første slag imod dem ved at angribe dem og erobre garnisonen i Geba. I deres forbitrelse over dette nederlag traf filisterne forberedelse til at foretage et lynangreb på Israel. Saul gav nu signal til mobilisering ved at støde i hornet i hele landet og sammenkaldte alle de våbenføre mænd, indbefattet stammerne på den anden side af Jordan, i Gilgal. Israelitterne mødte omgående frem.