In Book VI, the Philistines are poised to clash with Saul, but before the battle, they think it best to send David away, as they mistrust him. While the Philistines advance into the land of Jezreel, David returns to Ziglag to find that Amalekites had carried away a number of women and children; David pursues the band of thieves and recovers what was stolen. Meanwhile, the Israelite and Philistines armies engage in battle, and the former is defeated on Mount Gilboa. In the fray, Saul and his sons perish. After the battle, the Philistines emerge victorious and desecrate the body of Saul. The inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead, however, manage to bury the fallen king. In Ziglag, David learns of the disaster that has befallen Saul; he mourns the king and Jonathan, as well as the survivors of the battle. He then curses Mount Gilboa.