King · Old Testament
The Story of Saul
King Saul of Israel. For Saul of Tarsus see Paul.
Also: Sauli (Kiswahili)
First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel and later rejected by the LORD.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Saul son of Kish, a Benjamite, was anointed by Samuel as the first king of Israel and won victories over Israel's enemies. 1 Samuel 9:1–21 Samuel 10:11 Samuel 11:11–15
Because he disobeyed the LORD's commands, the LORD rejected him as king. He grew jealous of David and sought to kill him. Saul died with his sons in battle on Mount Gilboa. 1 Samuel 15:22–261 Samuel 18:8–111 Samuel 31:1–6
Told in: 1 Samuel
Life at a glance
- Tribe and father
- Benjamin; son of Kish 1 Samuel 9:1–2
- Son
- Jonathan, among others 1 Samuel 14:49
- Death
- On Mount Gilboa, in battle with the Philistines 1 Samuel 31:1–6
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Saul
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Anointed king
1 Samuel 9:1–27 · 1 Samuel 10:1–27
Searching for lost donkeys, Saul meets Samuel, who anoints him; he is chosen by lot at Mizpah.
More about this event
People: Samuel
Rescues Jabesh-gilead
The Spirit of God comes on Saul and he leads Israel to rescue Jabesh-gilead; the kingdom is renewed at Gilgal.
Disobedience and rejection
1 Samuel 13:5–14 · 1 Samuel 15:1–35
Saul offers sacrifice without waiting for Samuel, and later spares Agag and the best of the Amalekite flocks; the LORD rejects him as king.
More about this event
People: Samuel
Jealousy of David
1 Samuel 16:14–23 · 1 Samuel 18:6–16 · 1 Samuel 19:1–10 · 1 Samuel 24:1–22
Saul is troubled and David plays the lyre for him. After David's victories Saul becomes jealous and tries to kill him, pursuing him through the wilderness.
The medium at Endor
Facing the Philistines and receiving no answer from the LORD, Saul consults a medium, who brings up Samuel.
Death on Gilboa
The Philistines defeat Israel; Saul's sons, including Jonathan, are killed, and Saul falls on his sword.
More about this event
Parallel account: 1 Chronicles 10:1–14
Later recollection of this event: 2 Samuel 1:17–27 (David's lament.)
People: Jonathan
Places named: Mount Gilboa
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Saul. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- 2 Samuel 1:17–27 recalls “Death on Gilboa” — David's lament.
Later recollection
Family and relationships
- JonathanSon1 Samuel 14:49
- SamuelProphet who anointed him1 Samuel 10:1
- DavidPursued him; David was his son-in-law1 Samuel 18:271 Samuel 23:14
- KishFather1 Samuel 9:1–2
Books associated with Saul
- 1 Samuel Main narrative figure
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Obedience
- What reasons does 1 Samuel 15 give for Saul's rejection?
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