Saul
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Saul
Saul, first king of the ancient Hebrews. He was a Benjamite and anointed king by Samuel. Saul's territory was probably limited to the hill country of Judah and the region to the north, and his proximity to the Philistines brought him into constant conflict with them. The Bible tells his story dramatically, for it is really the story of David, first the protégé, then the rival, and finally the successor, of the king. Saul's son Jonathan was David's friend—a fact that adds pathos to the story of Saul's attempts to destroy David. David would not harm Saul, who nevertheless met a melancholy end after he went to the witch of Endor and heard his defeat and death prophesied. Saul, defeated and wounded in battle with the Philistines on Mt. Gilboa, committed suicide rather than be captured. Though Saul was unsuccessful in defeating the Philistines, he paved the way for enhanced national security and unity under David. The Saul of the Book of Genesis is elsewhere called Shaul.
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The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.
Saul
founder of the united kingdom of Israel and Judah (late 11th century B.C.). Saul first gained prominence as a military commander in the war with the Ammonites over the city of Ja-besh-gilead (in Transjordan). He was elected king at a popular assembly of the league of Israelite tribes. Under Saul’s leadership, the Israelite tribes freed themselves from the rule of the Philistines. After being defeated in a battle with the Philistines at Mount Gilboa (c. 1004 B.C.), Saul committed suicide.
The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Saul
contravening God, takes spoils from conquered Amalekites. [O.T.: I Samuel 15:17–19]
See: Disobedience
Saul
becomes Christian proselytizer after Lord’s visitation. [N.T.: Acts 9:1–22]
See: Reformed, The
Saul
falls on sword to avoid humiliation of capture. [O.T.: I Samuel 31:4–6]
See: Suicide
Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Saul
1. Old Testament the first king of Israel (?1020--1000 bc). He led Israel successfully against the Philistines, but was in continual conflict with the high priest Samuel. He became afflicted with madness and died by his own hand; succeeded by David
2. New Testament the name borne by Paul prior to his conversion (Acts 9: 1--30)
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005