People - Kings - Saul

First King of Israel (I Samuel 8 - 31), made king when 30 and reigned for forty two years.

Introduction
Saul was the first king of all the tribes of Israel, but already the seeds of division were being planted.



The elders of Israel asked Samuel to appoint a king to lead Israel as Samuel was old. Samuel prayed and the Lord told him to give them a king, Saul. Samuel anointed Saul, a benjamite as King over Israel. (I Samuel chapters 8, 9 and 10)

Saul led the people in battle against the Ammonites who had attacked Jabesh Gilead. (I Samuel chapter 11)

The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, because Jonathan (Saul's son) had attacked the Philistines. Samuel told Saul to wait 7 days at Gilgal. On the seventh day Saul foolishly offered a sacrifice which was something that Samuel the prophet should have done. Samuel told Saul that the Lord was seeking a replacement leader, a man after God's own heart. (I Samuel chapter 13)

Jonathan attacked the Philistines. Saul told the men not to eat before evening and cursed anyone who did. Saul prevented an even greater victory because the army was exhausted. (I Samuel chapter 14)

Samuel told Saul to totally destroy the Amalekites for attacked Israel coming out of Egypt. Saul spared king Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle. Samuel said to Saul:
"...To obey is better than sacrifice... Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king." (I Samuel chapter 15 v22 - 23)

Samuel annoints David as king. (I Samuel chapter 16)

David killed Goliath, the Philistine champion. (I Samuel chapter 17)

Saul was jealous of David's victory. (I Samuel chapter 18)

Saul tries to kill David using a spear. (I Samuel chapter 19)

David makes a covenant with Jonathan. (I Samuel chapter 20)

Saul persues David. (I Samuel chapter 23)

David spares Saul's life. (I Samuel chapter 24)

David again spares Saul's life. (I Samuel chapter 26)

David among the Philistines. (I Samuel chapter 27)

Saul and the witch of Endor. (I Samuel chapter 28)

David destroys the Amalekites. (I Samuel chapter 30>

Saul is injured by the Philistine archers and takes his own life. (I Samuel chapter 31)



Conclusion
Saul started off well, but as he grew older his pride grew. He did things his own way rather than obeying God resulting in a serious of disasters and ultimately his death.
Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord, and even consulted a medium for guidance, (I Chronicles 10 v 13)
and did not enquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. (I Chronicles chapter 10 v 14)



See also:
People
People - Kings
Books of the Bible
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