Saul is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known as the first king of Israel. His story is primarily recorded in the First Book of Samuel. Saul’s reign, which began in the 11th century BCE, marks a crucial transition for Israel from a loose confederation of tribes to a monarchy. Saul’s life is marked by his rise to power, his anointing as king, his struggles with obedience to God, and his eventual downfall.
Bible Saul Family Tree
Saul came from the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His family was not wealthy or royal, but Saul was described as a man of good stature, being tall and handsome, which likely contributed to the people’s admiration and desire to make him king.
Saul’s Family:
Father: Kish – Saul’s father, Kish, was a member of the tribe of Benjamin. He is described as a mighty man of power, though his family was not part of the royal or priestly class.
Mother: Unnamed – The Bible does not provide the name of Saul’s mother, but she is described as the wife of Kish and the mother of Saul.
Wife: Ahinoam – Saul’s wife, Ahinoam, was the daughter of Ahimaaz. She bore Saul at least two sons: Jonathan and Ishbosheth (also called Eshbaal). Ahinoam’s role in the biblical narrative is primarily as Saul’s queen and the mother of his children.
Children:
Jonathan: Saul’s most famous son, Jonathan, is depicted as a brave and loyal warrior who forms a deep and lasting friendship with David, even though David is Saul’s rival for the throne. Jonathan is beloved in the Bible for his loyalty to David and his courageous actions in battle.
Ishbosheth: Also known as Eshbaal, Ishbosheth became king of Israel after Saul’s death but reigned only briefly. His reign was marked by civil war, as David’s supporters challenged him for the throne (2 Samuel 2-4).
Siblings: Saul had at least one brother, Abner, who became a commander of Saul’s army and played a significant role in the events surrounding Saul’s reign and the early years of David’s rise.
Saul’s Family Tree Summary:
Father: Kish
Mother: Unnamed
Wife: Ahinoam (daughter of Ahimaaz)
Jonathan (son)
Ishbosheth (son)
Other unnamed children (the Bible does not provide further details)
Scriptures about Saul
1 Samuel 9:1-2: “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. And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.”
1 Samuel 9:15-17: “Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, ‘Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.’”
1 Samuel 10:1: “Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, ‘Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?’”
1 Samuel 10:9: “And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.”
1 Samuel 13:8-13: “And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, ‘Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings.’ And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came…”
1 Samuel 15:10-11: “Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, ‘It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments.’ And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night.”
1 Samuel 15:22-23: “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.’”
1 Samuel 16:1-13: “And the Lord said unto Samuel, ‘How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go: I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.’”
1 Samuel 18:6-9: “And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music. And the women answered one another as they played, and said, ‘Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.’ And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him…”
1 Samuel 31:4-6: “Then said Saul to his armourbearer, ‘Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me.’ But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.”
Story of Saul in the Bible
1. Saul’s Anointing as King
Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, is introduced as tall and handsome, someone who stands out physically among the Israelites. He is searching for his father’s lost donkeys when he encounters the prophet Samuel. God instructs Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king. Samuel pours oil on Saul’s head and declares him the chosen one of God. Despite his initial humility and reluctance, Saul is publicly proclaimed king, and the people accept him after seeing his divine appointment.
2. Saul’s First Military Victory
Early in his reign, Saul demonstrates strong leadership and courage. When the Ammonites threaten the Israelite city of Jabesh-Gilead, Saul rallies the people by sending pieces of oxen throughout Israel, warning that the same would happen to their livestock if they did not join him. Empowered by the Spirit of God, Saul leads a victorious battle against the Ammonites, solidifying his position as king and gaining the people’s loyalty.
3. Saul’s Disobedience and Rejection by God
Saul begins to show flaws in his character, particularly his impatience and lack of obedience. Facing the Philistines, Saul grows anxious when the prophet Samuel delays in coming to offer a sacrifice. Taking matters into his own hands, Saul performs the priestly duty of sacrifice, violating God’s command. When Samuel arrives, he rebukes Saul for his disobedience, warning that his kingdom will not endure and that God has sought a man after His own heart (a reference to David).
4. Saul’s Failure to Destroy the Amalekites
God commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, including their king, livestock, and possessions. However, Saul spares King Agag and keeps the best of the livestock, claiming they were meant for sacrifice to God. When Samuel confronts him, Saul shifts blame and justifies his actions. Samuel famously declares, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” As a result, God rejects Saul as king, and Samuel mourns over Saul’s downfall.
5. Saul’s Jealousy and Pursuit of David
Saul’s relationship with David, who becomes a celebrated hero after defeating Goliath, takes a dark turn. Saul grows jealous of David’s popularity and favor with the people. This jealousy consumes Saul, and he repeatedly tries to kill David, even pursuing him across the wilderness. Despite Saul’s attempts, David spares his life on multiple occasions, showing respect for Saul’s anointed position. Saul’s obsession with David ultimately alienates him from God and his people.
Saul In The Bible Meaning
The name Saul in the Bible has significant meaning and historical context. Derived from the Hebrew name Sha’ul, it translates to “asked for” or “prayed for.” This reflects the circumstances of his birth and the people’s desire for leadership, as Saul was chosen by God in response to Israel’s plea for a king.
Saul is most prominently known as the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 9–10). His reign marked a pivotal transition for Israel from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. Saul’s physical description as tall and handsome made him an ideal candidate in the eyes of the people. However, his spiritual journey was marked by challenges. Though initially a humble and capable leader, Saul’s reign became marred by disobedience to God’s commands, jealousy, and impulsive decisions. His failure to fully obey God—most notably in sparing King Agag and the Amalekite livestock (1 Samuel 15)—led to his rejection by God as king.
In the New Testament, Saul is the original name of the Apostle Paul before his conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). This Saul was a zealous persecutor of Christians, making his transformation into one of the faith’s greatest advocates a profound symbol of redemption.
The name Saul encapsulates themes of human frailty, divine intervention, and the complexities of leadership, resonating across the biblical narrative as a cautionary tale of ambition and faith.
FAQs About Saul
1. What is Saul’s first sin?
Saul’s first major sin, as recorded in the Bible, occurred when he disobeyed God’s command through the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul was instructed to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice before going into battle against the Philistines. However, Saul grew impatient and offered the sacrifice himself, violating the commandment. This act of disobedience marked the beginning of Saul’s downfall. Samuel rebuked him, saying that his kingdom would not endure because of his lack of trust and obedience to God.
2. What was Saul best known for?
Saul was best known for being the first King of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. His reign marked the beginning of the Israelite monarchy, though his leadership was eventually marred by his disobedience to God and his jealousy of David. Saul’s leadership included military victories, but his inability to fully follow God’s commands and his eventual decline into jealousy and mental distress are key aspects of his reign. He is most famously remembered for his tragic downfall and his rivalry with David.
3. Why did God choose Saul as King?
God chose Saul as king for several reasons. 1 Samuel 9:2 describes Saul as a tall, handsome man from the tribe of Benjamin, and he was chosen because of his outward appearance, which impressed those around him. However, God also had a deeper purpose for Saul’s selection. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anointed Saul at God’s command, and in 1 Samuel 9:16, God stated that Saul was chosen to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Philistines. Saul’s initial humility and his recognition of his unworthiness also played a role in God’s choice. Unfortunately, Saul’s later disobedience led to his rejection by God.
4. Was Paul alive when Jesus was crucified?
Yes, Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was alive during the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. However, he did not follow Jesus during His earthly ministry. Paul was a Pharisee and a persecutor of early Christians. In fact, Paul (then Saul) was actively involved in persecuting Christians, including approving of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58). He experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ and became a fervent follower of Jesus, after which he became known as Paul.
5. Why was Saul jealous of David?
Saul’s jealousy of David stemmed from a combination of personal insecurity and fear of losing his kingdom. 1 Samuel 18:6-9 describes how, after David defeated Goliath, the women of Israel sang songs praising David more highly than Saul. This public adulation for David triggered Saul’s jealousy and fear, believing that David might threaten his throne. Saul’s envy deepened as David’s popularity and success grew, and he began seeing David as a rival. Saul’s jealousy escalated to violent attempts to kill David, which led to a long period of David fleeing from Saul’s pursuit.