The Children of Israel followed the right path after Moses for a while. But as time passed, they started changing their religious practices, and some even began worshipping idols. However, Allah always sent Prophets to guide them, instructing them to do good and avoid evil, following the teachings of the Torah. When they did wrong, Allah allowed their enemies to defeat them, causing many deaths and capturing many of them, as well as taking over their lands.

In the past, those who fought against the Israelites would lose because the Israelites had the Torah and the Tabut, passed down through generations since Moses, who spoke directly with Allah. However, the Israelites continued to stray from the right path, and during a battle, a king took away the Tabut from them. He also took possession of the Torah, leaving only a few Israelites who had memorised it.

One of the women from among them frequently prayed to Allah for a son, and Allah answered her prayers by granting her a boy whom she named 'Shamwil,' (Samuel) meaning 'Allah has heard my pleas.' Some people also called the boy 'Sham`un,' which has a similar meaning.

As Samuel grew up, Allah made him a righteous person. When he reached the age of prophethood, Allah revealed to him and instructed him to invite his people to worship Allah alone and follow His Oneness. Samuel called the Children of Israel to worship Allah, and they asked him to appoint a king over them so they could fight their enemies under his leadership. The time of having kings among them had also ended. Their Prophet asked them, "What if Allah appoints a king for you? Will you keep your promise to fight under his command?" He knew their history when faced with tough battles, for example in the time of Prophet Moses, when they refused to fight.

Have you not seen those chiefs of the Children of Israel after Moses? They said to one of their prophets, “Appoint for us a king, ˹and˺ we will fight in the cause of Allah.” He said, “Are you not going to cower if ordered to fight?” They replied, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, while we were driven out of our homes and ˹separated from˺ our children?” But when they were ordered to fight, they fled, except for a few of them. And Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of the wrongdoers.2:246

When the Israelites requested a king, their Prophet appointed Talut (Saul), who was a soldier at the time. However, Talut was not from the royal lineage of kings, which was specifically from the descendants of Yahudha (Judah).

Some argued that Talut was poor and didn't possess the wealth typically expected of a king. They mentioned that Talut used to bring water to the people or work as a tanner. The Jews, however, argued with their Prophet when they should have followed and spoken respectfully to him.

Regardless, Allah had chosen Talut. Their Prophet stated, "I did not choose Talut to be your king on my own. Rather, Allah has commanded that upon your request." Allah had made Talut more knowledgeable and honourable than them, and stronger and more patient during combat, and he had more knowledge of warfare. Allah knows best that 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.

Their prophet told them, “Allah has appointed Saul to be your king.” They protested, “How can he be our king when some of us are more deserving of kingship than he, and he has not been blessed with vast riches?” He replied, “Allah has chosen him over you and blessed him with knowledge and stature. Allah grants kingship to whoever He wills. And Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.”2:247

When the Israelites were at war with the Philistines, and were defeated, their 'Ark of Covenant', a box called the Tabut, which they had brought to the battlefield was captured. There are different opinions as to what was in it including the staff of Moses and remnants of the tablets (which contained the 10 commandments).

Samuel told them that, as a sign of the blessings of Talut's kingship, he will get back the Tabut.

Their prophet further told them, “The sign of Saul’s kingship is that the Ark will come to you—containing reassurance from your Lord and relics of the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, which will be carried by the angels. Surely in this is a sign for you, if you ˹truly˺ believe.”2:248

Angels came down while carrying the Tabut between the sky and the earth, until they placed it before Talut while the people were watching." Or in another narration: "The Tabut was brought to Talut's house, so the people believed in the prophethood of Sham`un (Simeon) and obeyed Talut". This was a sign of prophethood and one to show the Israelites to follow the command of their new king Talut.

Then, Talut, along with his soldiers and the Israelites who obeyed him, marched until they reached a river (some say the River Jordan). Talut warned his army that Allah is going to test them; whoever drinks from the river will not be able to fight in the battle. Only those who do not drink from the river, or only drink a sip, will be able to continue with Talut in the army.

Ibn Jurayj stated that Ibn Abbas commented, "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." In Bukhari we are told that only those who believed crossed the river with Talut.

When the remaining believers crossed the river, and saw the numbers of people they were up against (the army of Jalut, or Goliath in English) some denied the power of Allah and were sure they would fail. Yet some with firm faith, trusted the promise of Allah and said "How often has a small group overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave" And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient)"

The believers continued to make dua for Allah's support in fighting the army of Goliath which was much bigger than them in number and weaponry.

During the battle, (Prophet) David killed Goliath. Talut promised that whoever killed Jalut, would marry his daughter and would share his kingship and authority. He kept his promise. Later, the kingship was transferred to Prophet Dawud in addition to being granted Prophethood by Allah.

When they advanced to face Goliath and his warriors, they prayed, “Our Lord! Shower us with perseverance, make our steps firm, and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”2:250

So they defeated them by Allah’s Will, and David killed Goliath. And Allah blessed David with kingship and wisdom and taught him what He willed. Had Allah not repelled a group of people by ˹the might of˺ another, corruption would have dominated the earth, but Allah is Gracious to all.2:251