Introduction:
Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, holds the distinction of being the first king to reign over the united tribes of Israel. His account is primarily chronicled 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 led by judges to a centralized monarchy.

Anointing and Rise to Power:
Saul's ascent to kingship was divinely orchestrated. The prophet Samuel, acting on God's command, anointed Saul as king. This event is recorded in 1 Samuel 10:1 : "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" Saul's physical stature and appearance—tall and handsome—made him an ideal candidate in the eyes of the people (1 Samuel 9:2).

Military Leadership and Early Successes:
Saul's early reign was marked by military successes, which helped consolidate his rule and unify the tribes of Israel. One of his notable victories was against the Ammonites, which solidified his position as king (1 Samuel 11). Saul's leadership in battle demonstrated his capability as a military leader, and he was able to rally the Israelites against their enemies, including the Philistines.

Disobedience and Downfall:
Despite his promising start, Saul's reign was marred by disobedience to God's commands. His failure to completely destroy the Amalekites, as instructed by God through Samuel, led to his rejection as king. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23 , Samuel rebukes Saul, saying, "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. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king."

Relationship with David:
Saul's relationship with David, the future king, is a significant aspect of his narrative. Initially, David served Saul loyally, even soothing him with music during bouts of distress (1 Samuel 16:23). However, Saul's jealousy of David's growing popularity and success led to a prolonged and tragic conflict. Saul's attempts to kill David are well-documented, highlighting his increasing instability and paranoia.

Spiritual Decline and Final Days:
Saul's spiritual decline is evident in his consultation with the witch of Endor, seeking guidance from the deceased prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28). This act of desperation further illustrates his departure from God's ways. Saul's reign ended tragically on the battlefield against the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 31:4 , Saul, wounded and facing capture, took his own life: "Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, 'Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!' But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it."

Legacy:
Saul's legacy is complex. As Israel's first king, he established the monarchy and laid the groundwork for future kings. However, his reign is also a cautionary tale of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. Saul's life and reign serve as a pivotal chapter in the history of Israel, setting the stage for the rise of David, a man after God's own heart.1 Samuel 11:15-31:13
And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 10:1-10:14
Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Reign of David.
... During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the ... there was
constant warfare between these two rival kings. ... His Reign Over All Israel. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... when the mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, reigned there in ... Even David had been
like the kings of other ... his last was a mournful lamentation over the vanity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... been the most excellent of all their kings in strength ... When Hadad was dead, his
posterity reigned for ten ... the scribe, and committed the command over the guards ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... but by the reckoning that David reigned for seven ... I pass over topographical questions,
which need not concern us ... be one of God's crowned kings, however obscure ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. ... God's kings
are viceroys ... been popular, he had seven years of precarious sway over this mere ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

The New Garment Bent
... time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty ... his father: and
Rehoboam his son reigned in his ... building, so common in Eastern kings, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.'"1 ... God appointed the kings,
and had ordained the Davidic ... feel bit and spur.' That was all these grey ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

The History of David
... to David in Hebron, and anointed him king over them ... and six months, and in Jerusalem
he reigned thirty-three ... made war again unto him and other kings were aiding ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

Of the Disruption of the Kingdom of Israel, by which the Perpetual ...
... from Israel out of thine hand this day," reigned forty years over Israel,"that is ...
continued so, the separate parts having their own kings, until that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the disruption of.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... and afterwards over all Israel; and Jesus reigned from the ... in the end He will reign
over all the world ... and Jesus wedded two daughters of kings, the congregation ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

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