SAUL

n.

Hebrew Shaul

flourished 11th century BC, Israel

First king of Israel (r. 1021–1000 BC).

All that is known of Saul comes from the biblical books of Samuel I and II. He was anointed king by the prophet Samuel , as a concession to popular pressure, after delivering the town of Jabesh-Gilead from Ammonite oppression. Samuel's rejection of Saul and Saul's jealousy of David led to Saul's decline. He died battling the Philistines at Mount Gilboa; David delivered the Israelites and paid tribute to the fallen Saul.