Topical Bible: Saul: King of Israel: A Benjamite, Son of Kish

◄ Saul: King of Israel: A Benjamite, Son of Kish ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Background and Ancestry:
Saul, the first king of Israel, was a Benjamite, the son of Kish. His lineage is significant as it highlights the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes of Israel, from which Saul hailed. The tribe of Benjamin had a tumultuous history, including near decimation in the events recorded in Judges 20. Saul's father, Kish, is described as a man of wealth and standing, indicating that Saul came from a family of some prominence (1 Samuel 9:1-2).

Anointing and Rise to Kingship:
Saul's rise to kingship was divinely orchestrated. The prophet Samuel, acting on God's command, anointed Saul as king. This anointing was a pivotal moment, marking the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy. Saul was chosen for his physical stature and appearance, as he was noted to be taller than any of the people (1 Samuel 9:2). The anointing took place privately, but Saul was later publicly chosen by lot at Mizpah, confirming God's choice to the people (1 Samuel 10:20-24).

Reign and Military Exploits:
Saul's reign was marked by significant military campaigns against Israel's enemies, including the Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, and Amalekites. His initial success in battle, particularly the victory over the Ammonites, solidified his position as king and rallied the people of Israel around him (1 Samuel 11:11). Saul's military prowess was evident, but his reign was also characterized by impulsive decisions and disobedience to God's commands.

Disobedience and Rejection:
Saul's downfall began with his failure to fully obey God's command to destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. Instead, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, rationalizing his disobedience as an intention to sacrifice to the Lord (1 Samuel 15:9). This act of disobedience led to God's rejection of Saul as king, as conveyed by the prophet Samuel: "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23).

Relationship with David:
Saul's relationship with David is a central theme in his narrative. Initially, David served Saul loyally, soothing him with music and becoming a successful military leader. However, Saul's jealousy of David's growing popularity and God's favor led to a deep-seated enmity. Saul's attempts to kill David, despite David's loyalty, highlight Saul's tragic descent into paranoia and insecurity (1 Samuel 18:8-9).

Final Days and Death:
Saul's final days were marked by desperation and a sense of abandonment. In a moment of crisis, he sought counsel from the witch of Endor, an act that further demonstrated his departure from God's guidance (1 Samuel 28:7). Saul's reign ended in tragedy on Mount Gilboa, where he and his sons fell in battle against the Philistines. In his final act, Saul took his own life to avoid capture, marking a sorrowful end to Israel's first monarchy (1 Samuel 31:4).

Legacy:
Saul's legacy is complex, as he was both a chosen instrument of God and a cautionary tale of the consequences of disobedience and pride. His reign set the stage for the rise of David, a man after God's own heart, and the establishment of a dynasty that would lead to the coming of the Messiah. Saul's account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 9:1,2
Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... disaster they had formerly inflicted on Israel, is supposed ... period when the Jews,
without any king or settled ... monarchy had not as yet been attributed to Saul. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm