History of Saul

Saul an Isrealite ruler who thrived in the 11th century BCE in Israel and was the first king of Israel through 1021-1000 BCE. According to the Bible, Saul was chosen king both by the judge, Samuel, and by the people of Israel. Saul was similar to the charismatic judges who preceded him in the role of governing. His chief contribution was to defend Israel against its many enemies, especially, the Philistines. Saul’s reign has a close resemblance to the judges who preceded him than to the succession of kings who followed. His chief service to Israel, like the judges, established military defense. Together with his son, Jonathan, and an army of volunteers, he won over the Philistines and succeeded in driving them out of the central hills. A successful effort against the Amalekites in the south is also recorded in Samuel 15. There is no evidence that Saul made any major changes in the nation’s structures. The only royal official named in the accounts is the military commander, Abner, Saul’s cousin. In effect, Saul’s reign was marked by few of the Eastern monarchies, with no court bureaucracy, palace, or harem. His capital at Gibeah is known by archaeology as a simple, rusted fortress. David, who came into Saul’s court because of either his military prowess or his skill as a harpist, according to accounts in 1 Samuel, David is named as the one who soothed the king with his sweet music and as the object of a fierce jealousy resulting from the young warrior’s successes in battle. When secret attempts to take David’s life did not prove to be more successful, Saul tried to turn the hearts of his daughter and David’s wife, Michal, and his son, Jonathan, away from David. Then Saul declared openly his intention to slay David. David’s fight in Philistia saved him from the king’s unprovoked and manic attack because Saul was unable to go to Philistia.