What is the story of King Saul?
The account of Saul’s life comes from the Old Testament book of I Samuel. The son of Kish, a well-to-do member of the tribe of Benjamin, he was made king by the league of 12 Israelite tribes in a desperate effort to strengthen Hebrew resistance to the growing Philistine threat.
Who was Saul in the Bible and what did he do?
Saul was chosen by God himself to be the first king of Israel. Saul defeated many of the enemies of his country, including the Ammonites, Philistines, Moabites, and Amalekites. He united the scattered tribes, giving them greater strength. He reigned for 42 years.
How did Saul become king of Israel?
Saul, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, was the first king of Israel. He was appointed by the prophet Samuel. Prior to Saul’s appointment, judges served as the leaders of the Israelites. Saul and Jonathan, his son, led the Israelite armies to defeat the Philistines, a Hellenistic people.
What happened to Saul in the Bible?
Thus, David did not witness the defeat of the Israelites under Saul, who was mortally wounded by the Philistines and whose sons were killed. In an act of heroism so that he, the king of Israel, would not be captured, Saul committed suicide by falling on his own sword.
Why is Saul important in the Bible?
The Hebrew Bible (referred to as the Old Testament by Christians) names Saul (Hebrew Sha’ul) as the first king of Israel, who reigned circa 1020 to 1000 BCE. According to the Bible, as king, Saul marshaled military forces to fight the Ammonites, Edomites, Moabites, Amalekites and Philistines.
How was Saul converted to Paul?
Because Saul prayed to know the Lord’s will and was obedient after being blinded, his sight was restored and he learned and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was known from then on as Paul, and he dedicated his life to teaching and testifying of the Savior and His gospel.
How old was Saul when he became king?
30 years old
Some early Greek translations of the Bible state that Saul took power when he was 30 years old. Saul was initially succeeded by his youngest and only surviving son, Ishbaal (also written as Ishba’al and also called Ishbosheth). After Ishbaal was killed, David took control of his kingdom.
What does name Saul mean?
prayed for
Saul as a boy’s name is pronounced sahl. It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Saul is “prayed for”. Biblical: the first king of Israel; also the Hebrew name of the apostle Paul.
Who blinded Saul?
Saul’s encounter with Jesus is the source of his blindness, and this divinely instigated punishment can be overcome only by a divinely instigated healing, which God performs through the disciple Ananias (vv. 10–19).