Saul, the first king of Israel, reigned from about 1025 to about 1000 B.C. The dramatic story of his life and times is contained in the Old Testament (I Sam. 9-31).
Israel’s existence as a nation was threatened by the Philistines, who had mastered the new technique of fabricating iron and had a monopoly of iron weapons. Israel’s old system of government under casually chosen judges was not equal to the situation. The people clamored for a king, and the old ruling group reluctantly gave in and picked Saul for the task. At this time, he was only a young member of an insignificant clan.
Saul surprised everybody with his ability. He was brave, generous, and modest, and he would not take orders blindly from the old guard. But the mounting pressures and responsibilities of ruling slowly undermined his personality. He became moody and suspicious, and grew jealous of young David’s growing popularity.
Saul won many victories, but when the final test came, at the battle of Mount Gilboa, his outnumbered and poorly equipped army was no match for the Philistines. Mortally wounded, he fell on his sword. He was mourned by friend and foe alike.
