The Story of Saul (The First King of Israel)

Saul was the first king of Israel. As the leader of the people, he had a good start, but his complicated journey led him to lose the crown. He disobeyed God and exhibited reprehensible behavior. Saul was envious of David and attempted to kill him numerous times. Ultimately, Saul committed suicide.

Saul was the first chosen by God to be king over Israel. He was the son of Kish, a wealthy man from the tribe of Benjamin. The name Saul (or Shaul) in Hebrew means "asked of God," which aptly reflects the request made by the people of Israel for a king, similar to other nations.

The story of Saul is found in the first book of Samuel, chapter 9, and is also recorded in 1 Chronicles 9-10. Saul was a valiant, courageous, determined, and modest man. He had an imposing figure and was taller than anyone else, standing out above their shoulders. He was also well-known due to the importance of his family in the Benjamite tribe.

Saul's wife was named Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimelech (1 Samuel 14:50). However, very little is said about her in the biblical accounts. Saul had seven sons and two daughters, among whom the most well-known were Jonathan and Michal, David's wife. Other family members, such as his cousin Abner, the army general, also appear in the stories.

How Saul Was Chosen as King

In essence, Israel had a theocratic system of government, in which God was their King and supreme leader. When the people faced crises and wars, God raised leaders to defend and guide them. These leaders were the Judges, who represented God's governance among the Israelites.

Since there was no human king, the people were meant to seek help and salvation from God. However, this often did not happen, and they turned to idols instead. Yet, in His goodness, God responded to their cries by providing them with a deliverer to advocate for their causes.

Over time, coupled with the ups and downs of the judges, the people desired a king, just like all the other nations. The request for a new king arose during the time of Samuel, who was a priest, prophet, and the last judge the Israelites had.

This request represented a change in the form of government. Samuel was old and had failed in raising his own sons. The people no longer saw anyone who could lead them after Samuel. The Israelites wanted to be like other nations and have a king. While still serving as the reigning judge, Samuel felt rejected and prayed to God; in truth, the people were rejecting the kingdom of God.

Saul encountered Samuel on an occasion when he had gone in search of his father's donkeys. God revealed to Samuel that Saul was the chosen one to be king over Israel. Samuel anointed him king privately, and later, in a public gathering, Samuel presented the new king to the people.

The Reign of Saul

At the gathering for the presentation of the king, the people were separated by tribes and families, and Saul, the son of Kish from the family of Matri, was chosen. However, Saul hid among the baggage, despite having already been anointed king. He did not want to be in the spotlight. Although he stood out physically, Saul displayed shyness. It was a difficult role to assume - honorable but fraught with risks. Perhaps Saul feared, forgetting that God was at the forefront, guiding everything.

Saul reigned for 40 years over Israel (Acts 13:21). In the beginning, he had many victories, defeating Israel's enemies, but his disobedient behavior ultimately led to his rejection by God.

Was Saul a Good King?

As king, Saul started well, but his obstinacy led to his decline. Blessed with good physical appearance and born into a wealthy family, Saul began his reign with humility, feeling unworthy of being king. He even hid when his tribe and family were chosen, having been selected by God.

In this initial phase, Saul received the Spirit of God, which transformed his heart. He even prophesied alongside the prophets. He won many battles, but over time, his exaltation went to his head. His character deteriorated, and his actions became increasingly flawed.

Saul's Disobedience and Failures

Saul received clear instructions from the prophet Samuel, who spoke on behalf of God, but his disobedience led him into trouble, causing him to lose the royal crown.

Saul Disobeyed and Offered Sacrifices

This was not the role of a king; only priests performed such duties. Samuel instructed Saul to wait for seven days. However, believing that Samuel would not come and fearing the approaching Philistine army, Saul decided to offer the sacrifices himself. By not being able to wait, as the prophet had said, Saul showed a lack of trust in God. He disobeyed, demonstrating immature and pagan faith - offering sacrifices to obtain God's quick assistance.

Made a Reckless Vow

Saul led the people to make a foolish oath, swearing not to eat anything that day. This resulted in even worse mistakes: the exhausted and hungry people began eating meat with blood, which was prohibited. Saul once again showed that his relationship with God was based on bargaining: sacrifices in exchange for victories. But for God, obedience is better than sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22).

Impulsively Swore to Kill His Own Son

In his anger, Saul would have killed his own son, Jonathan, the great leader in the victorious battle against the Philistines. Following his foolish vow, Saul sought to find someone to blame for God not answering him. Jonathan, Saul’s son, had eaten honey found in the forest, as he had not heard his father's vow. But God spared Jonathan through the intervention of the people, who would not allow Saul to kill him. On another occasion, Saul attempted again to kill his son with a spear.

Disobeyed, not exterminating the Amalekites

Saul once again disobeyed a direct order from God, sparing the king of Amalek, the animals, and everything else that was good. Saul ruined everything with this latest act of disobedience. God rejected Saul as king. After that, Samuel anointed David as king.

He was jealous and tried to kill David, unjustly

After David, still a young boy, killed the giant Goliath, Saul became envious of him. He had fits of rage, indignation, distrust, and several attempts at homicide. Differently, David spared Saul's life twice. In fact, Saul hated and feared David because God was with him, and because he already knew that his kingdom would not endure after his disobedience.

He killed all the priests of the city of Nob

Disturbed by his obsession against David, Saul kills all 85 priests of the Lord in the city of Nob. He imagined that they were conspiring with David. That's why he also killed men, women, children, and animals from that same city, such was his fury.

Consulted a Medium at Endor

Another terrible action of Saul was seeking help from the occult. Terrified by the threat of the Philistines, Saul sought God but received no answer. Samuel, the last priest and judge, had died. So, Saul disguised himself and sought out a witch, intending to speak with Samuel and be encouraged. This practice of consulting the dead is something abominable to God. Once again, he heard that his kingdom would be given to David and that he would be defeated by the Philistines.

Saul and David

Saul designated David as his number one enemy. Not because David had done him any harm, but because he represented a threat to the throne. Saul knew that God would transfer the kingdom of Israel to David after his own failures. Consequently, his obsession led him to ruin: he became increasingly stubborn and disobedient to God. Meanwhile, David was proving to be a "man after God’s own heart."

David, still quite young, tended his father's sheep. Occasionally, he served King Saul as one of his musicians and attendants. Initially, David was called as a harpist to play before the king when Saul was tormented by evil spirits.

After David defeated the giant Goliath, Saul hired him as one of the commanders of the army. However, the envy of the successes God granted David began to fill Saul's heart. Saul had also promised to give his daughter Michal in marriage to the warrior who defeated Goliath, making David his son-in-law. David was also a close friend of Jonathan, Saul's son.

The fact that David was so loved by the people, including those in Saul's own household, further fueled Saul's anger against him.

Twice, Saul attempted to kill David with a spear while he was playing the harp. Numerous times, he summoned his army to capture and kill David, despite David's many successes against Israel's enemies. In turn, David had opportunities to kill Saul but honored him as the Lord's anointed and never wished to harm him.

Ultimately, after Saul's death, God confirmed what had already been said and transferred the kingdom of Israel to David. He became one of the most well-known kings of all time and was also from the lineage that produced King Jesus.

The Sons of Saul

The Bible mentions the names of Jonathan, Abinadab, Malchishua, Ishbosheth (or Isvi, or Esbaal), and two daughters: Merab and Michal. In addition to these, Saul had two sons with a concubine named Rizpah, Armoni and Mephibosheth.

The Death of Saul

Saul committed suicide in the midst of a battle with the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. After being severely wounded by enemy archers, King Saul asked his squire to strike him with his sword to kill him.

Since his aide refused to kill the king, Saul threw himself on his own sword, committing suicide. He feared being tortured in a public spectacle by the Philistines. The squire killed himself in the same way when he saw Saul dead.

This tragic death shows how Saul's foolish decisions, along with his unrepentant disobedience, led him to a sad end (1 Samuel 31, 1 Chronicles 10).

In this scenario of defeat, sadness, and pain, the life of the first king of Israel comes to an end. He and his three sons: Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua died on the same day. General Abner, Saul's cousin, made Ishbosheth king of Israel, but this lasted only a short time. David, who had already been crowned king of the tribe of Judah, became king of all Israel after Ishbosheth was killed.

See also:
God Uses the Unlikely
105 Bible Verses About Strength to Get You Through Any Hard Time