King living at the time of United Monarchy
Saul
The first king of Israel, a Benjamite and the son of Kish, an impressive young man taller than anyone else (1 Samuel 9:1–2). While looking for lost donkeys he met Samuel, who anointed him as prince over Yahweh’s inheritance (1 Samuel 9–10:1). He won victories over Ammon and the Philistines, but twice disobeyed: he offered the sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel, and spared Amalek’s king and the best of the animals. Samuel told him, “to obey is better than sacrifice,” and that Yahweh had rejected him as king (1 Samuel 13:8–14; 15:1–23).
Yahweh’s Spirit left him, and he grew jealous of David and tried again and again to kill him (1 Samuel 16:14; 18:6–12; 19–26). He died on Mount Gilboa with his sons, including Jonathan, in battle with the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1–6). Paul recalls that God gave Israel Saul for forty years (Acts 13:21).
Scripture’s verdict: A mixed record (1 Samuel 15:23).
Chosen and anointed, but rejected for disobedience. The Hebrew of 1 Samuel 13:1 is damaged; the 40 years come from Acts 13:21.
Family
- Father
- Kish
- Wives
- Ahinoam, Rizpah
- Children
- Jonathan, Abinadab, Malchishua, Merab, Michal, Ishbosheth, Armoni, Mephibosheth
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