Topical Bible: Saul: King of Israel: Lives at Gibeah of Saul

◄ Saul: King of Israel: Lives at Gibeah of Saul ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Saul, the first king of Israel, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Saul's reign marks a significant transition in Israelite history from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. He is a complex character, embodying both the potential and pitfalls of leadership.

Anointing and Rise to Power:
Saul was the son of Kish, a Benjamite, and hailed from the town of Gibeah, which later became known as Gibeah of Saul. His physical stature and appearance were notable, as described in 1 Samuel 9:2 : "He was a choice and handsome young man, and there was not a man among the Israelites more handsome than he; he stood a head taller than any of the people."

Saul's anointing as king was orchestrated by the prophet Samuel, following the Israelites' demand for a king to lead them like other nations. Despite God's warning about the potential consequences of a monarchy, He instructed Samuel to anoint Saul. In 1 Samuel 10:1 , Samuel anoints Saul, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?"

Reign and Military Exploits:
Saul's reign began with promise, as he led Israel to several military victories. One of his early successes was the defeat of the Ammonites, which solidified his position as king (1 Samuel 11). Saul's leadership was initially marked by a reliance on God's guidance through Samuel, but over time, his disobedience and impulsive decisions led to his downfall.

Disobedience and Rejection:
Saul's reign was marred by a series of disobedient acts against God's commands. A pivotal moment occurred when Saul failed to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions, as commanded by God. Instead, he spared King Agag and the best of the livestock. This act of disobedience led to God's rejection of Saul as king, as conveyed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 : "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."

Conflict with David:
Saul's relationship with David, who would become his successor, is a significant aspect of his account. Initially, David served Saul loyally, even soothing him with music during bouts of distress. However, Saul's jealousy of David's growing popularity and success led to a prolonged pursuit to kill him. Despite Saul's attempts, David consistently showed respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed.

Final Days and Death:
Saul's reign ended tragically. In his final battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, Saul's sons, including Jonathan, were killed. Facing defeat and fearing capture, Saul took his own life by falling on his sword (1 Samuel 31:4). His death marked the end of his troubled reign and paved the way for David's ascension to the throne.

Legacy:
Saul's legacy is one of both triumph and tragedy. As Israel's first king, he established the monarchy and led the nation through significant military challenges. However, his failure to fully obey God's commands and his inability to overcome personal flaws ultimately led to his downfall. Saul's life serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience to God and the dangers of pride and jealousy.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 14:2
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 15:34
Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 10:29
They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship
... is his saying, 'Thou shalt be king over Israel, and I ... reached David through his wife
Michal, Saul's daughter, or ... course of his attendance on the king, which he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/jonathan the pattern of friendship.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... at a place called Gibeah; and with Saul went a ... to whose hearts God had given a love
for the king. ... three hundred years under the fifteen Judges, Israel now had ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... It was 'Saul and all the men of Israel' who were ... than the shouting crowd and the
proud young king had ... pathetic in the contrast he draws between Saul and himself ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... After this the men of Israel returned to their enemy's ... promised to be friends all
their lives till death ... King Saul went on fighting with his old enemies the ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Historical Books.
... abuses which led the people to desire a king, and then gives an account of the
selection, anointing, and inauguration of Saul as king of Israel, with a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Exile.
... a louder acclaim for David's victories, startled the king for the ... "All Israel and
Judah ... sharpest relief by the juxtaposition and contrast of David and Saul. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

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