Saul
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, tribe of Benjamin · United Kingdom · Old Testament
- Name means
- Asked for
- Role
- First king of Israel
- When
- c. 1050-1010 BC (traditional)
What they did
A tall and goodly young man anointed by Samuel. He disobeyed God's commands, was rejected as king, pursued David in jealousy, and died on mount Gilboa.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Israel asked for a king like the nations; Saul's failure shows that God seeks a king who obeys Him, preparing for David and the true King.
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV)
Bible references
And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 1 Samuel 9:2 (KJV)
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance? 1 Samuel 10:1 (KJV)
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (KJV)
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. 1 Samuel 31:4 (KJV)
And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. Acts 13:21 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Kish
- Spouse(s)
- Ahinoam
- Children
- Jonathan, Ishui, Melchishua, Abinadab, Ish-bosheth, Merab, Michal
His children are named in 1 Samuel 14:49, 1 Samuel 31:2 and 2 Samuel 2:8.