Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the term "Servant of Saul" refers to individuals who served under King Saul, the first king of Israel. These servants played various roles, from military service to personal attendants, and their interactions with Saul provide insight into his reign and character.Military Servants: Saul's reign was marked by numerous military campaigns against the Philistines, Amalekites, and other neighboring nations. His servants in the military context were often warriors and commanders who executed his orders in battle. One notable figure is Abner, the son of Ner, who was the commander of Saul's army. Abner's loyalty to Saul is evident throughout the narrative, as he supports Saul's kingship and later attempts to establish Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, as king after Saul's death (2 Samuel 2:8). Personal Attendants: Saul's personal attendants included those who served him directly in his court. One of the most significant figures in this category is David, who initially served Saul as a harpist to soothe his troubled spirit. As recorded in 1 Samuel 16:21-23 , "David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer. Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." Advisors and Counselors: Saul also had servants who acted as advisors and counselors. These individuals were often involved in decision-making processes and provided Saul with guidance. However, Saul's relationship with his advisors was complex, as he sometimes acted impulsively and disregarded their counsel, leading to his eventual downfall. Loyalty and Betrayal: The narrative of Saul's servants is also marked by themes of loyalty and betrayal. While many of Saul's servants remained loyal to him, others, like Doeg the Edomite, acted treacherously. Doeg's betrayal is highlighted in 1 Samuel 22:18-19 , where he carries out Saul's order to kill the priests of Nob: "So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep." Spiritual and Moral Lessons: The accounts of Saul's servants offer spiritual and moral lessons, particularly regarding the nature of leadership and the importance of obedience to God. Saul's failure to fully obey God's commands, as seen in his incomplete destruction of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of humility and repentance. In summary, the "Servant of Saul" encompasses a diverse group of individuals who played significant roles during Saul's reign. Their accounts contribute to the broader narrative of Israel's history and provide valuable lessons on leadership, loyalty, and faithfulness to God's commands. Subtopics Servant: Bond by the Roman Centurion Servant: Bond used As Soldiers by Abraham Servant: Bond: An Abandoned Sick Man Servant: Bond: Bond Service Threatened, As a National Punishment, for the Disobedience of Israel Servant: Bond: Bought and Sold Servant: Bond: Captive Bondservants Shared by Priests and Levites Servant: Bond: Captives of War Became Slaves Servant: Bond: Children of Defaulting Debtors Sold As Servant: Bond: David Erroneously Supposed to be a Fugitive Slave Servant: Bond: Defaulting Debtors Made Servant: Bond: Degrading Influences of Bondage Exemplified by Cowardice Servant: Bond: Emancipation of Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, With Other Disciples of Jesus Servant: Bond: Freedmen Called "Libertines" Servant: Bond: Fugitive, not to be Returned to his Master Servant: Bond: Hagar, Commanded by an Angel to Return to Sarah (Sarai), Her Owner Servant: Bond: Kidnapping Forbidden Servant: Bond: Kindness To, Commanded Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Servant: Bond: Must be Circumcised Servant: Bond: Must Enjoy Religious Privileges With the Master's Household Servant: Bond: Must Have Rest on the Sabbath Servant: Bond: Onesimus Interceded For, by Paul Servant: Bond: Owned by Priests Servant: Bond: Rights of Those Born to a Master Servant: Bond: Slaves Owned Slaves Servant: Bond: Sought by Shimei Servant: Bond: Taken in Concubinage Servant: Bond: The Master Could Marry, or Give in Marriage Servant: Bond: Thieves Punished by Being Made Servant: Bond: Voluntary Servitude of Servant: Good of the Roman Centurion Servant: Good: Servants in the Parable of the Pounds and the Parable of the Talents Servant: Hired: Await Employment in the Marketplace Servant: Hired: The Father of the Prodigal Son Servant: Hired: The Laborers of a Vineyard Servant: Hired: The Rebellious Son Servant: Hired: Treatment of, More Considerate than That of Slaves Servant: Hired: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Pounds Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Vineyard Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abimelech Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abraham and Lot Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Absalom Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Amon Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Joash Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Job Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Shimei Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Ziba Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Gehazi Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Jeroboam Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Onesimus Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Zimri Related Terms |