Once the Israelites became established in their Promised Land, their fortunes fluctuated considerably. After finally defeating the Canaanites, they were forced to defend their new lands against a succession of external threats. First, their troops fought against the Philistines, winning in their first battle but losing in their second. Then, they destroyed them after then. After completing national unity, they defeated the Syrian invasions of Israel.
Israel planned to finish off their enemies, the Canaanites. At the Battle of Mount Tabor, General Barak marched out and defeated the bogged-down chariots of his opponents. Ensuing the defeat of the Canaanites, the Midianites invaded Israelite territory. According to the Book of Judges, Israelite commander Gideon was guided into surprise-attacking the enemy main camp and throwing the enemy into disarray.
Despite their early victories, the Philistines encroached into the territory of the Israelites. At the Battle of Mount Gilboa, King Saul of Israel committed suicide rather than be captured by the numerically superior foe. One of his successors Jonathan avenged him by defeating the Philistines at the Battle of Michmash. After defeating these few invasions, Israel pressed the attack on their hostile neighbors. The Israelites captured the city of Jebus, renaming it Jerusalem and making it their capital. Syria invaded to halt their determined conquests. Israel counterattacked, winning at the Battle of Samaria and the Golan Heights. The Israelites established their frontiers in the vicinity of their conquests, keeping a firm grip on their territory.
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