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King Saul

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Saul was the first king of the ancient Kingdom of Israel. Saul, whose name means "asked for", reigned from around 1047 BC - 1007 BC. His story is told in [[1 Samuel]].

~~Saul, whose name means "asked for" reigned from around 1047 BC - 1007 BC~~He was succeeded by [[King David|David]].

~~He was succeeded by David.~~==Saul's reign in its theological context==

~~===Biblical Narrative===~~The two Books of Samuel focus 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]]); both had popular support ([[1 Samuel 10:24]], [[1 Samuel 11:12]], [[1 Samuel 18:7]]); and 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 honored 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 dishonor of God as the divine king can be seen particularly when he refused to heed the message of 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 Saul did not adequately honor God.

==Quotes==

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