King Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel around 1050 BC. Saul reigned over Israel for 40 years until his death around 1010 BC. Here is an overview of Saul’s life and kingship according to the Bible:
Saul’s Anointing as King
In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demanded a king to rule over them like the nations around them. Though this displeased Samuel, God told him to give them a king (1 Samuel 8:7, 22). God chose Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, to be the first king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:1-2). When Saul went searching for his father’s lost donkeys, God providentially led him to Samuel who privately anointed him as king (1 Samuel 9:3-10:1). Saul was an impressive young man, standing a head taller than anyone else (1 Samuel 9:2).
Saul Proclaimed and Accepted as King
After being anointed by Samuel, Saul was publicly chosen as king at Mizpah. The lot fell on Saul and he was proclaimed king before all the people (1 Samuel 10:17-24). However, some worthless men despised and did not accept Saul as king (1 Samuel 10:27). Saul did not immediately take the throne but returned home. Soon after, the Ammonites threatened the city of Jabesh-Gilead. When Saul heard this, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he mustered an army and defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11). This victory solidified Saul’s position as king over Israel.
Saul’s Successes as King
As king, Saul led Israel in battle against many enemies including the Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites and Amalekites. He won victories over the Philistines and other raiding bands (1 Samuel 14). Saul also built an army of 3,000 select men (1 Samuel 13:2). He led Israel in battle and subdued enemy nations all around, so that there was no threat during his reign (1 Samuel 14:47-48). In his early years as king, Saul was humble (1 Samuel 9:21), obedient to God’s commands (1 Samuel 10:8; 11:6-7), and granted military success by God.
Saul’s Failures and Rejection as King
However, Saul made some serious mistakes during his reign that led to his rejection by God. Against God’s command, Saul offered an unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14) and unlawfully spared the Amalekite king Agag (1 Samuel 15:9, 26). As a result, God tore the kingdom from Saul (1 Samuel 13:14; 15:23, 28) because of his disobedience. After being rejected as king, Saul was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14) and his mental state deteriorated (1 Samuel 16:23). Saul grew jealous of David and tried multiple times to kill him (1 Samuel 18:10-11; 19:1), directly disobeying God’s will. Saul died a tragic death on Mount Gilboa along with his sons (1 Samuel 31).
Overview of Saul’s Life
Some key facts about Saul’s life:
- Was the first king over the united nation of Israel
- Reigned for 40 years from around 1050 – 1010 BC
- Was from the tribe of Benjamin
- Anointed as king privately by Samuel the prophet
- Proclaimed as king at Mizpah before the people
- Defeated enemies like the Ammonites and Philistines
- Disobeyed God’s commands and was rejected as king
- Tried multiple times to kill David
- Died by suicide along with his sons at Mount Gilboa
Saul’s Character and Nature
The Bible presents Saul as a complex character with both positive qualities and fatal flaws:
- Positive qualities: Impressive physically, humble origins, shy/reticent initially, obedient at first, granted military success by God.
- Fatal flaws: Disobedient to God’s commands, impatient, foolish oaths, jealous, paranoid, murderous intent toward David.
In the early part of his reign, Saul demonstrated noble character and behavior consistent with a godly king over Israel. However, his character deteriorated over time as a result of pride, envy, suspicion, and hatred. Ultimately, Saul’s legacy is one of tragic failure and he serves as a sober warning about the corrupting nature of power apart from obedience to God.
Saul and David
Saul’s relationship with David is central to his legacy as king over Israel. At first, David served Saul faithfully (1 Samuel 16:21-23), but Saul grew jealous and afraid of David’s military success and popularity (1 Samuel 18:7-9). Saul then tried multiple times to kill David, his own son-in-law, causing David to flee and become a fugitive on the run (1 Samuel 19-26). David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul but refused out of respect for God’s anointed king (1 Samuel 24:6, 26:9). Saul ultimately died in battle on Mount Gilboa before David took the throne over Israel.
Significance and Legacy
As both the first king over Israel and as a tragic example of the consequences of disobedience, Saul remains one of the most notable figures in the Old Testament. Here is the significance of Saul for Israel and believers today:
- Represents Israel’s transition to monarchy but also the perils of kingship apart from God
- Serves as a warning about the corrupting nature of power when disconnected from obedience to God
- Stands in contrast to David as a positive example of godly kingship
- His failures highlight the need for wholehearted obedience to God’s commands
- Foreshadows Israel’s future unfaithfulness and disobedience to God
For all his flaws, Saul was still God’s anointed king and serves as an instrument in God’s unfolding plan for Israel. His legacy offers vital lessons about faithfulness, obedience, and the right exercise of power and leadership.
Word count: 896