Who Was King Saul in the Bible?
Who Was King Saul in the Bible? Saul was the first king of Israel — chosen by God, anointed by Samuel, and ultimately rejected for his disobedience.
Key verse: 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (KJV)
Saul was the first king of Israel — chosen by God, anointed by Samuel, and ultimately rejected for his disobedience.
Saul was the first king of Israel — chosen by God, anointed by Samuel, and ultimately rejected for his disobedience.
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams... Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king." — 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
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The Biblical Answer
Saul, son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was anointed Israel's first king around 1050 BC when the people demanded a king 'like all the nations' (1 Samuel 8:5). He was tall, handsome, and at first humble. Saul began well, winning early victories. But disobedience marred his reign. He offered an unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13), spared King Agag and the best of the Amalekite spoil contrary to God's command (1 Samuel 15), and grew increasingly consumed by jealousy of David, whom God had chosen to replace him. Samuel's verdict was solemn: 'To obey is better than sacrifice... Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king' (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Saul ended his life in tragic suicide on Mount Gilboa after consulting a medium. His life stands as a warning about pride and disobedience.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The Church?
What the Bible teaches about the church, its purpose, and why believers should gather together.
Key Scripture References
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams... Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."
"And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he."
"Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who Was King David?
David was the shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, known as 'a man after God's own heart' and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Who Was Samuel in the Bible?
Samuel was the last judge and first major prophet of Israel, dedicated to God's service from birth, who anointed both Saul and David as kings.
Who Was Jezebel in the Bible?
Jezebel was the wicked Phoenician queen of Israel who married King Ahab, promoted Baal worship, and persecuted the prophets of God.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
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The answer above sits inside 1 Samuel. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Samuel on day 70 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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