The Primary Account: During the fierce battle at Mount Gilboa, Saul's army was routed, and his three sons (including Jonathan) were killed. Critically wounded by archers, the king ordered his armor-bearer to thrust him through with a sword so he wouldn't be captured by the Philistines. When the armor-bearer refused out of fear, Saul took his own sword and fell on it. The armor-bearer then took his own life as well.
