One of two mountains (the other is Mount Tabor) situated along the northern rim of the Jezreel Valley. Mount Gilboa is situated near to the far eastern end of the valley and seperates it from the valleys of Beth Shean and the Ein Harod. Only one battle is recorded as having taken place there in Israel's history: Saul's final battle against the Philistines. It turned out a disaster for him; three of his sons—Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua (1 Sam 31:2)—were killed in the battle. Saul, wounded, took his own life (vv3-4).
Gilboa has also served as battle-ground between the Crusaders and Saladin and for the Mamluks and the Mongols.
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