A Small Group Dominates A Large Group With Allah’s Help

Surah Al Baqarah, Ayat 246-251

The children of Israel remained on the straight path for a period of time after Musa (AS). Then then innovated in religion and some began idol worship. When they persisted in their evil Allah caused their enemies to overwhelm them. The Bani Israel had the Tohrah & the Tabut (a big wooden box) which they had inherited from Musa (AS) & was with them for generations. They lost both the Tohrah and Tabut to their enemies.

Allah sent another Prophet to them Shamun (Simeon). When Shamun reached the age of Prophethood, Allah commanded him to call his people toTawhid (oneness of Allah)

When Shumun did so, the Bani Israel asked him to appoint a king over them, so that they would fight the enemy and bring back the Tohrah and Tabut. They vowed to fight under the command of the King.

Allah appointed Saul (Talut) who was then a soilder, as a king for them. Talut was poor and did not have wealth that justifies him to be a King. So the Jews disputed with their Prophet Shamun. Their Prophet tried to convince them them that Talut was Allah’s choice. Allah had increased Talut abundantly in knowledge and stature and had made him more stronger and more patient during combat. Shamun also told them that Allah grants His kingdom to whom He wills.

Prophet Shamun then proclaimed “The sign of the blessing of Talut’s kingship over you is that Allah will give you back the Tabut (wooden box) and the Tohrah that has been taken from you, where is is “sakinah” from your Lord, meaning peace (or grace) & reassurance

Ibn Kathir records that Ibn Abbas (RA) said “The angels came down carrying the Tabut between the sky & the earth, until they placed it before Talut while the people were watching”

The people hence believed Prophet Shamun and obeyed Talut as their King

King Saul (Talut) went out with his army against their enemy Jalut (Goliath). The army of Jalut was 70-80 thousand (according to As-Suddi) and Allah knows best. The army of Talut was just few thousand.

Allah wanted to test the sincerity of the believers ( Talut’s army). Talut told his people Allah will test you with a river (which flowed between Jordan and Palestine) He told them whoever drinks from it except a handfull are not from him, that is they will not accompany Talut.

All were thirsty. Some of them drank a lot of water but their thirst was not quenched. And some (about 300 soilders) drank a handful and their thirst was quenched. This was a test from Allah, as to who will obey Talut. So only the 300 soilders accompanied Talut.

These 300 soilders were believers who practised self restraint at the river. Their number had decreased and this made it more difficult for them to overpower Jalut (Goliath) and his mighty army.

Some of them among the 300 were discouraged and were sure of failure. But some among them who Allah describes as true believers and who were certain of meeting their Lord reasoned and said “How often has a small group dominated a large group by Allah’s permission?”

This group did not depend on numbers or the challenger, instead they were patient and dependent on Allah alone. They did not believe in their own ability, instead their courage came from the recoginition that victory was not upto their ability and came from Allah alone. And Allah is always with such steadfast people.

So as they advanced to meet Jalut and his forces they called upon their Lord with this dua “Our Lord pour forth on us patience and make us victorious over the disbelieving people”  A supplication which reflects their plea to Allah for patience and steadfastness in the face of challenges as well as seeking victory over those who reject the truth.

Allah gave them victoy!

Allah sent Dawud(AS) who was a small shephard boy at that time. He had a slingshot. He was an excellent marksman.

Talut promised whoever would kill Jalut would marry his daughter and would share his kingship and authority. Dawud(AS) accepted the challenge and hit Jalut between the eyes with his slingshot and killed him by the will of Allah.

Hence Allah granted Dawud kingship and wisdon to rule and judge.

Allah rises and declines nations out of His power, using one people against the other. When a nation becomes unjust they are brought down by some other nation by the will of Allah

Allah gave Prophethood to Dawud (AS) and knowledge of worldly affairs. The Bani Israel reached the height of prosperity during the rule of Dawud (AS)

References :

The Holy Quran – Surah Al Baqrah Ayat (246-251),                                                                                                                     Tafsir Ibn Kathir