United monarchy · around 1050–1010 BC
Saul in the Bible
The first king of Israel. Name meaning: “Asked for” (Hebrew Sha’ul)
Saul, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, is the first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel when the people demand a king “like all the nations.” Valiant and full of promise at the start, he disobeys God, fears the people more than the LORD, and lets jealousy of David consume him. His reign ends in tragedy on Mount Gilboa, where he dies with three of his sons.
Key moments
- Samuel anoints him in secret 1 Samuel 10:1
- Hidden among the baggage, then acclaimed king 1 Samuel 10:24
- Victory over the Ammonites at Jabesh 1 Samuel 11:11
- He offers the burnt offering without waiting for Samuel 1 Samuel 13:9
- Rejected for sparing Amalek 1 Samuel 15:23
- He hurls his spear at David 1 Samuel 18:11
- He consults the woman of En-dor 1 Samuel 28:7
- He dies on Mount Gilboa 1 Samuel 31:4
Strengths
- Commanding presence and courage
- Early humility
- Impatience
- Jealousy
- Fear of man
Weaknesses
Saul obeys only halfway, fears the people more than God, and makes excuses instead of repenting (1 Sam 15:20-24). Eaten up by jealousy, he persecutes David, has the priests of Nob slaughtered, and ends up consulting a medium (1 Sam 18:9; 22:18; 28:7).
Lessons for today
- Partial obedience is disobedience: God wants a listening heart more than sacrifices (1 Sam 15:22).
- The fear of man is a trap: Saul lost his kingdom trying to please the people (1 Sam 15:24; Prov 29:25).
- Jealousy left unchecked destroys the one who feeds it (1 Sam 18:8-9).
- A good start does not guarantee a good finish: Saul was “little in thine own sight” when God chose him, and we must stay that way (1 Sam 15:17).
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
People around Saul
Stories with Saul
Quiz: how well do you know Saul?
Which tribe was Saul from?
“There was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish… And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly.” 1 Samuel 9:1–2
What was Saul looking for when he met Samuel?
“The asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, … arise, go seek the asses.” 1 Samuel 9:3
How did Saul die, according to 1 Samuel 31?
Badly wounded by the archers, and with his armorbearer refusing to kill him, “Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.” 1 Samuel 31:3–4
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.