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Saul was the first king of the ancient Kingdom of Israel. His story is told in 1 Samuel.

Saul, whose name means "asked for" reigned from around 1047 BC - 1007 BC.

He was succeeded by David.

[edit] Biblical Narrative

[edit] Saul's reign in its theological context

The Book of Samuel focuses on God's kingship over Israel, showing the contrasts between the reigns of King David and King Saul. There are some important similarities between the two kings. Both were appointed by God (1 Samuel 9:19, 1 Samuel 16:13) and both had popular support (1 Samuel 10:24, 1 Samuel 11:12, 1 Samuel 18:7). Importantly, both gave exclusive worship to God, unlike David's son King Solomon who worshipped foreign gods.

There are however, significant differences in their reigns. In particular, the Old Testament shows that David honoured God as the divine king, whereas Saul did not and as such God rejected Saul's dynasty but blessed David's dynasty (1 Samuel 15:26) Saul's dishonour of God as the divine king can be seen particularly when he refused to heed the message of the God's instruction through a prophet (1 Samuel 13:13, 1 Samuel 15:22-24). David on the other hand, repented and accepted God's message through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 24:18-19).

the Bible explains that God ended the dynasty of Saul and did not bring about the final conquest of the land under Saul's reign because of Saul's lack of honouring God.

[edit] Quotes

[edit] Links

• Wikipedia - Saul

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