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7 occurrences	in 7 dictionaries
Reference: Saul
The son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Israelites, anointed by Samuel, B. C. 1091, and after a reign of forty years filled with various events, slain with his sons on Mount Gilboa. He was succeeded by David, who was his son-in-law, and whom he had endeavored to put to death. His history is contained in 1Sa 10-31. It is a sad and admonitory narrative. The morning of his reign was bright with special divine favors, both providential, and spiritual, 1Sa 9:20; 10:1-11,24-25. But he soon began to disobey God, and was rejected as unworthy to found a line of kings; his sins and misfortunes multiplied, and his sun went down in gloom. In his first war with the Ammonites, God was with him; but then follow his presumptuous sacrifice, in the absence of Samuel; his equally rash vow; his victories over the Philistines and the Amalekites; his sparing Agag and the spoil; his spirit of distracted and foreboding melancholy; his jealousy and persecution of David; his barbarous massacre of the priests and people at Nob, and of the Gibeonites; his consulting the witch on Endor; the battle with the Philistines in which his army was defeated and his sons were slain; and lastly, his despairing self-slaughter, his insignia of royalty being conveyed to David by an Amalekite, 1Sa 31; 2Sa 1; 1Ch 10:13-14. The guilty course and the awful end of this first king of the Hebrews were a significant reproof of their sin in desiring any king but Jehovah; and also show to what extremes of guilt and ruin one may go who rebels against God, and is ruled by his own ambitious and envious passions.
SAUL was also the Hebrew name of the apostle Paul.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
1 Sam	9:20
Now as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, don't give any thought to them, because they've been found. Meanwhile, to whom is all Israel looking, if not to you and all of your father's household?"
Three DaysFinding ThingsBeing Lost
1 Sam	10:1-11
Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul's head, kissed him, and said, "The LORD has anointed you Commander-in-Chief over his inheritance, has he not? When you leave me today, you will find two men by Rachel's tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah. They'll tell you, "The donkeys you went to look for have been found. Now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and he's anxious about you. He's asking, "What will I do about my son?' read more. Then you'll go on further from there and come to the oak at Tabor. There three men going up to the LORD at Bethel will meet you. One will be herding three young goats, one will be carrying three loaves of bread, and one will be carrying a bottle of wine. They'll greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you're to accept from them. "After that you will come to Gibeath-elohim where the Philistine garrison is. As you arrive there at the town, you'll meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre being played in front of them, and they'll be prophesying. The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you, and you'll prophesy with them and be changed into a different person. When these signs occur, do whatever you want to do, because the LORD is with you. You are to go down ahead of me to Gilgal, and then I'll come down to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. You are to wait seven days until I come to you to let you know what you are to do." Now it happened as Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, that God gave him another heart, and all these signs occurred on that day. When they arrived there at Gibeah, a band of prophets was right there to meet them. The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he prophesied along with them. When all those who had known Saul previously saw that he was there among the prophets prophesying, the people told one another, "What has happened to Kish's son? Is Saul also among the prophets?"
People KissingAnointing, Performed OnKingsKingship, HumanKissingLeaders, PoliticalOilRankKissesOlive OilThe Act Of AnointingAnointing KingsAnointing OilCareFinding ThingsTwo Other MenThree MenThree AnimalsGoing Up MountainsQuantities Of WineOaksThree Other ThingsAcceptance, Of GiftsPeople Providing FoodFlutesHigh PlacesLyreMusical Instruments, types ofProphecy, Methods Of OtShrinesTambourinesHarpsLyresSchooldrumsPower, HumanPromises Of The Holy SpiritPeople TransformedBeing DifferentBeing UniqueSigns From GodGod With Specific PeopleDoing God's WorksFellowship OfferingWaitingWeeksSeven DaysPeople WaitingHeart, Fallen And RedeemedChanged HeartMan's Words Fulfilledsaulequipping, spiritualThe Spirit Of GodThe Holy Spirit, Source Of Wisdomgroups
1 Sam	10:24-25
Then Samuel told all the people, "Do you see the man whom the LORD has chosen? For there is no one like him among all the people." Then all the people shouted, "Long live the king!" Samuel explained to the people the regulations concerning kingship. He wrote them in a scroll and placed it in the LORD's presence. Then Samuel sent all the people to their own houses.
VoicesGroups ShoutingUnique IndividualsExplanationsBooksBook of the Law
1 Chron	10:13-14
So Saul died for his transgressions; that is, he acted unfaithfully to the LORD by transgressing the message from the LORD (which he did not keep), by consulting a medium for advice, and by not seeking counsel from the LORD, who therefore put him to death and turned the kingdom over to Jesse's son David.
Last ThingsMediumsSin, God's Judgment OnSin, Nature OfUnfaithfulness, To GodWord Of GodOccultismPunishment Of the WickedNames And Titles For The ChristianNecromancypsychicsGod Killing
asked for. (1.) A king of Edom (Ge 36:37-38); called Shaul in 1Ch 1:48.
(2.) The son of Kish (probably his only son, and a child of prayer, "asked for"), of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Jewish nation. The singular providential circumstances connected with his election as king are recorded in 1Sa 8-10. His father's she-asses had strayed, and Saul was sent with a servant to seek for them. Leaving his home at Gibeah (1Sa 10:5, "the hill of God," A.V.; lit., as in R.V. marg., "Gibeah of God"), Saul and his servant went toward the north-west over Mount Ephraim, and then turning north-east they came to "the land of Shalisha," and thence eastward to the land of Shalim, and at length came to the district of Zuph, near Samuel's home at Ramah (1Sa 9:5-10). At this point Saul proposed to return from the three days' fruitless search, but his servant suggested that they should first consult the "seer." Hearing that he was about to offer sacrifice, the two hastened into Ramah, and "behold, Samuel came out against them," on his way to the "bamah", i.e., the "height", where sacrifice was to be offered; and in answer to Saul's question, "Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is," Samuel made himself known to him. Samuel had been divinely prepared for his coming (1Sa 9:15-17), and received Saul as his guest. He took him with him to the sacrifice, and then after the feast "communed with Saul upon the top of the house" of all that was in his heart. On the morrow Samuel "took a vial of oil and poured it on his head," and anointed Saul as king over Israel (1Sa 9:25-10:8), giving him three signs in confirmation of his call to be king. When Saul reached his home in Gibeah the last of these signs was fulfilled, and the Sprit of God came upon him, and "he was turned into another man." The simple countryman was transformed into the king of Israel, a remarkable change suddenly took place in his whole demeanour, and the people said in their astonishment, as they looked on the stalwart son of Kish, "Is Saul also among the prophets?", a saying which passed into a "proverb." (Comp. 1Sa 19:24.)
The intercourse between Saul and Samuel was as yet unknown to the people. The "anointing" had been in secret. But now the time had come when the transaction must be confirmed by the nation. Samuel accordingly summoned the people to a solemn assembly "before the Lord" at Mizpeh. Here the lot was drawn (1Sa 10:17-27), and it fell upon Saul, and when he was presented before them, the stateliest man in all Israel, the air was rent for the first time in Israel by the loud cry, "God save the king!" He now returned to his home in Gibeah, attended by a kind of bodyguard, "a band of men whose hearts God had touched." On reaching his home he dismissed them, and resumed the quiet toils of his former life.
Soon after this, on hearing of the conduct of Nahash the Ammonite at Jabeshgilead (q.v.), an army out of all the tribes of Israel rallied at his summons to the trysting-place at Bezek, and he led them forth a great army to battle, gaining a complete victory over the Ammonite invaders at Jabesh (1Sa 11:1-11). Amid the universal joy occasioned by this victory he was now fully recognized as the king of Israel. At the invitation of Samuel "all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal." Samuel now officially anointed him as king (1Sa 11:15). Although Samuel never ceased to be a judge in Israel, yet now his work in that capacity practically came to an end.
Saul now undertook the great and difficult enterprise of freeing the land from its hereditary enemies the Philistines, and for this end he gathered together an army of 3,000 men (1Sa 13:1-2). The Philistines were encamped at Geba. Saul, with 2,000 men, occupied Michmash and Mount Bethel; while his son Jonathan, with 1,000 men, occupied Gibeah, to the south of Geba, and seemingly without any direction from his father "smote" the Philistines in Geba. Thus roused, the Philistines, who gathered an army of 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and "people as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude," encamped in Michmash, which Saul had evacuated for Gilgal. Saul now tarried for seven days in Gilgal before making any movement, as Samuel had appointed (1Sa 10:8); but becoming impatient on the seventh day, as it was drawing to a close, when he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, Samuel appeared and warned him of the fatal consequences of his act of disobedience, for he had not waited long enough (1Sa 13:13-14).
When Saul, after Samuel's departure, went out from Gilgal with his 600 men, his followers having decreased to that number (1Sa 13:15), against the Philistines at Michmash (q.v.), he had his head-quarters under a pomegrante tree at Migron, over against Michmash, the Wady esSuweinit alone intervening. Here at Gibeah-Geba Saul and his army rested, uncertain what to do. Jonathan became impatient, and with his armour-bearer planned an assault against the Philistines, unknown to Saul and the army (1Sa 14:1-15). Jonathan and his armour-bearer went down into the wady, and on their hands and knees climbed to the top of the narrow rocky ridge called Bozez, where was the outpost of the Philistine army. They surprised and then slew twenty of the Philistines, and immediately the whole host of the Philistines was thrown into disorder and fled in great terror. "It was a very great trembling;" a supernatural panic seized the host. Saul and his 600 men, a band which speedily increased to 10,000, perceiving the confusion, pursued the army of the Philistines, and the tide of battle rolled on as far as to Bethaven, halfway between Michmash and Bethel. The Philistines were totally routed. "So the Lord saved Israel that day." While pursuing the Philistines, Saul rashly adjured the people, saying, "Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening." But though faint and weary, the Israelites "smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon" (a distance of from 15 to 20 miles). Jonathan had, while passing through the wood in pursuit of the Philistines, tasted a little of the honeycomb which was abundant there (1Sa 14:27). This was afterwards discovered by Saul (ver. 42), and he threatened to put his son to death. The people, however, interposed, saying, "There shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground." He whom God had so signally owned, who had "wrought this great salvation in Israel," must not die. "Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place" (1Sa 14:24-46); and thus the campaign against the Philistines came to an end. This was Saul's second great military success.
Saul's reign, however, continued to be one of almost constant war against his enemies round about (1Sa 14:47-48), in all of which he proved victorious. The war against the Amalekites is the only one which is recorded at length (1Sa 15). These oldest and hereditary (Ex 17:8; Nu 14:43-45) enemies of Israel occupied the territory to the south and south-west of Palestine. Samuel summoned Saul to execute the "ban" which God had pronounced (De 25:17-19) on this cruel and relentless foe of Israel. The cup of their iniquity was now full. This command was "the test of his moral qualification for being king." Saul proceeded to execute the divine command; and gathering the people together, marched from Telaim (1Sa 15:4) against the Amalekites, whom he smote "from Havilah until thou comest to Shur," utterly destroying "all the people with the edge of the sword", i.e., all that fell into his hands. He was, however, guilty of rebellion and disobedience in sparing Agag their king, and in conniving at his soldiers' sparing the best of the sheep and cattle; and Samuel, following Saul to Gilgal, in the Jordan valley, said unto him, "Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he also hath rejected thee from being king" (1Sa 15:23). The kingdom was rent from Saul and was given to another, even to David, whom the Lord chose to be Saul's successor, and whom Samuel anointed (1Sa 16:1-13). From that day "the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him."
Gen	36:37-38
After Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth by the river ruled in his place. After Shaul died, Achbor's son Baal-hanan ruled in his place.
Foreign KingsRulers Of Edom
Exo	17:8
After this, the Amalekites came and fought with the Israelis at Rephidim.
Amalekitesenemies, of Israel and JudahAnimal Sacrifices, BurntNations Attacking Israel
Num	14:43-45
The Amalekites and Canaanites are there waiting for you. You'll die violently, since you've turned your back and have stopped following the LORD. The LORD won't be with you." But they presumed to go up to the top of the mountain, even though the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD and Moses didn't leave the camp. read more. The Amalekites came down, accompanied by some Canaanites who lived in the mountains. They attacked and defeated them even while the Israelis were retreating to Hormah.
Conversion, God's demands forKilled With The SwordThe Ark Moved AroundMotionlessnessStaying PutDefeat Of God's People
Deut	25:17-19
"Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the road while you were coming out of Egypt, how when you were very tired and weary, they lay in wait for you on the road and eliminated everyone who was lagging behind. They had no fear of God. read more. Therefore, when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies who surround you in the land that he is about to give you to possess as an inheritance, you must completely erase the memory of the Amalekites from under heaven. Don't forget!"
Reverence, And Social BehaviourTirednessNo Fear Of GodTired In PursuitEnemy AttackstiredBlottingBlotted OutTime Of Peace
1 Sam	9:5-10
When they entered the region of Zuph, Saul told the young man with him, "Come on, let's go back so my father does not stop worrying about the donkeys and become anxious about us." The young man said, "Look, there's a man of God in this town. The man is respected, and everything he predicts happens. Now, let's go there. Perhaps he can tell us about the journey on which we have set out."	read more. Saul told the young man, "Look, we could go, but what could we bring the man? The bread is gone from our bags, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have with us?" The young man answered Saul again, "Look here! I have in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I'll give it to the man of God, and he will tell us about our journey." (Previously in Israel, a person would say when he went to inquire of God, "Come on! Let's go to the seer!" because the person known as a prophet today was formerly called a seer.) Saul told his young man, "That's a good suggestion! Come on, let's go!" Then they entered the town where the man of God was.
Let Them Go HomeRespect, For Human BeingsMan Of GodNamed Prophets Of The LordMan's Words FulfilledBagsGiving To OthersservanthoodPresentsA Fourth PartSeersHistory Of Nations
1 Sam	9:15-17
Now one day before Saul's arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel: "About this time tomorrow I'll send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him as Commander-in-Chief over my people Israel. He'll deliver my people from the control of the Philistines, because I've seen the suffering of my people and because their cry has come up to me." read more. When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man I told you about. This man will rule over my people."
Things RevealedDeliverersGod's Action TomorrowAnointing KingsCries Of Distress To GodMaking KingsIndividuals Saving OthersCivil authoritiesChoices
1 Sam	10:5
"After that you will come to Gibeath-elohim where the Philistine garrison is. As you arrive there at the town, you'll meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre being played in front of them, and they'll be prophesying.
FlutesHigh PlacesLyreMusical Instruments, types ofProphecy, Methods Of OtShrinesTambourinesHarpsLyresSchooldrums
You are to go down ahead of me to Gilgal, and then I'll come down to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. You are to wait seven days until I come to you to let you know what you are to do."
Fellowship OfferingWaitingWeeksSeven DaysPeople Waiting
Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah. He told the Israelis, "This is what the LORD God of Israel says: "I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the power of Egypt and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.' read more. But today you have rejected your God who delivers you from all your troubles and difficulties. You have said, "No! Instead, appoint a king over us.' Now present yourselves in the LORD's presence by your tribes and families." Samuel brought forward all the tribes of Israel, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin according to its families, and the family of Matri was chosen. Finally, Kish's son Saul was chosen, but when they looked for him, they couldn't find him. So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" The LORD said, "He is here, hiding among the baggage." They ran and brought him from there. When he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the others by a head. Then Samuel told all the people, "Do you see the man whom the LORD has chosen? For there is no one like him among all the people." Then all the people shouted, "Long live the king!" Samuel explained to the people the regulations concerning kingship. He wrote them in a scroll and placed it in the LORD's presence. Then Samuel sent all the people to their own houses. Saul also went to his house in Gibeah, and the soldiers whose hearts God had touched went with him. But some troublemakers said, "How can this man deliver us?" They despised him and did not bring him a gift. But Saul remained silent.
CongregationAssembling IsraelCruelty, God's attitude toKingdomsGod Bringing Israel Out Of EgyptSpecial RevelationRejection Of GodTheocracyNatural DisastersNowhere To Be Foundenquiring of GodHiding From PeopleBaggageHeadsTall PeopleVoicesGroups ShoutingUnique IndividualsExplanationsBooksBook of the LawHuman WillHeart, HumanGiftsReproachInsultsPrejudiceSilenceSpeech, Power And Significance OfSuperiorityTreasonIndividuals Being SilentNo One Can SaveNot Giving
Meanwhile, Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had been severely oppressing the descendants of Gad and descendants of Reuben, gouging out their right eyes and not allowing Israel to have a deliverer. No one was left among the Israelis across the Jordan whose right eye Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had not gouged out. However, 7,000 men had escaped from the Ammonites and entered Jabesh-gilead.
Covenant RelationshipsEncampmentsSiegesNations Attacking Israel
So after a month, Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh told Nahash, "Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you." Nahash the Ammonite told them, "I'll make a covenant with you on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel."	read more. The elders of Jabesh told him, "Leave us alone for seven days so that we may send messengers through all the territory of Israel. Then if no one delivers us, we will come out to you and surrender." When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and reported the terms to the people, all the people cried loudly. Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind the oxen and he said, "What's with the people? Why are they crying?" They reported to him what the men of Jabesh had said. When Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God came on him, and he was very angry. He took a yoke of oxen, cut them in pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers through all the territory of Israel: "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not come out and join Saul and Samuel!" The fear of the LORD fell on the people and they came out as one man. Saul mustered them at Bezek, and there were 300,000 Israelis and 30,000 men of Judah. They told the messengers who had come, "You are to say this to the men of Jabesh-gilead, "Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will be delivered.'" The messengers went and reported to the men of Jabesh, and they rejoiced. The men of Jabesh said, "Tomorrow we will come out to you and surrender. Then you can do whatever you want to us." The next day Saul separated the people into three companies. They came into the camp during the morning watch, and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered so that no two of them remained together.
Covenant RelationshipsEncampmentsSiegesNations Attacking IsraelBlindness, Causes OfdisabilitiesNegotiationUnkindnessEyes HarmedBlindingOther BlindingOther Right PartsSurrendercredibilityWeeksSeven DaysLeave Us AlonePeople Mourning CatastropheHerdsPower, HumanAnger Of Man, RighteousAnger Of Man, CauseAngry PeoplesaulGesturesHeraldKnivesAnimals Cut In PiecesUnified PeopleTerror Of GodTribes Of IsraelCensusThirty Thousand And UpThree To Nine Hundred ThousandPeople Of JudahThe SunGod's Action TomorrowHot WeatherIndividuals Saving OthersdeliveranceMan's Action TomorrowAmmonitesdefeatHeatNoonScattering The PeoplesThree GroupsSurvivors ThreatenedTwo People
1 Sam	11:15
So all the people went to Gilgal and there they made Saul king in the LORD's presence in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings in the LORD's presence, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
Fellowship OfferingRejoicingExcitementCoronationsMaking Kings
1 Sam	13:1-2
Saul was 30 years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for 42 years over Israel. Saul chose for himself 3,000 men from Israel. There were 2,000 with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He had sent the rest of the people home.
KingsThirtysaulConscriptionA Thousand PeopleTwo ThousandThree Thousand And UpEarthly Armies
Then Samuel told Saul, "You have acted foolishly. You haven't obeyed the commandment of the LORD your God, which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever, but now your kingdom won't be established. The LORD has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as Commander-in-Chief over his people because you didn't obey that which the LORD commanded you."	read more. Then Samuel got up and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul mustered the people present with him, about 600 men.
Fools, Characteristics OfFolly, Examples Ofevil, believers' responses toStabilityThey Do Not Keep CommandssaulGod, Human Descriptions OfDavid, Character OfHeart, DivineSpiritualityDisobedience, To GodFalse AccusationsSaul And DavidCensusSix To Seven HundredSix Hundred And Above
One day Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the Philistine garrison which is on the other side," but he did not tell his father. Saul was sitting on the outskirts of Geba under the pomegranate tree which was at Migron, and with him were about 600 men. read more. Along with him were Ahitub's son Ahijah, Ichabod's brother, who was Phineas' son and a grandson of Eli the priest of the LORD at Shiloh, who was carrying the ephod. The people did not know that Jonathan had gone. Now in the pass through which Jonathan planned to get across to the Philistine garrison, there was a sharp crag on one side and a sharp crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other was Seneh. One crag rose on the north opposite Michmash, and the other on the south opposite Geba. Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised ones. Perhaps the LORD will work for us, since nothing prevents the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few." His armor bearer told him, "Do whatever you want. Let's move out! I'm right here with you, as you wish." Jonathan said, "Look, we're going over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. If they say to us, "Stay there until we come to you,' then we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, "Come up and fight us,' then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hands, and this will be the sign for us." When the two of them showed themselves to the Philistine garrison, the Philistines said, "Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have been hiding." The men of the garrison responded to Jonathan and his armor bearer: "Come up and fight us, and we will show you something." Jonathan then told his armor bearer, "Follow me, for the LORD has given them into Israel's control." Jonathan crawled up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer following him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer who was behind him also killed some. In the initial attack, Jonathan and his armor bearer struck down about twenty men in an area of about half an acre of land. There was terror in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even the garrison and the raiders were terrified. The earth shook, and there was even greater terror.
ArmourGarrisonsManlinessCrossing To The Other SideThose Who Did Not TellFruitPomegranatesSix To Seven HundredSix Hundred And AboveSharpnessFaith, And Blessings Of GodUncircumcisionBraveryCourage, Examples OfFew PeoplearmorHuman AffectionHeart, HumanUnity, Of God's PeopleArmorbearerFighting TogetherPeople Made KnownBe Still!Signs From GodThose God Gave Into Their HandsWeights And Measures, DistancesTwentyearthquakesTremblingGroups Trembling
The men of Israel were hard pressed on that day, and Saul required the army to take an oath: "Cursed is the person who eats food before evening and before I've been avenged of my enemies." So no one tasted food. Later on, all the soldiers entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground. read more. The people came into the woods and there was flowing honey, but no one put his hand to his mouth to eat it because the people were afraid due to the oath. But Jonathan had not heard that his father had required the army to swear an oath, so he stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. He brought it back to his mouth and his eyes brightened.
Curses, HumanFasting, Nature OfPromises, HumanRashnessAdjurationCursing The UngodlyMan AvengingVowing To FastPeople Bound By OathsRevival, PersonalStaffHoneyRodsGood EyesPeople Refreshed
But Jonathan had not heard that his father had required the army to swear an oath, so he stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. He brought it back to his mouth and his eyes brightened. Then one of the people responded: "Your father strictly ordered the army to take an oath. That's why he said, "Cursed is the person who eats food today,' and so the army is exhausted."	read more. Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. How much better if the army had eaten freely today of their enemy's spoil that they found, because the slaughter among the Philistines has not been great." That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the army was very weary. The army grabbed the spoil, took sheep, oxen, and calves, and slaughtered them on the ground, and then the army ate them with the blood. Someone reported this to Saul: "Right now the army is sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood." He said, "You have acted treacherously. Roll a large stone to me today." Then Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the soldiers and say to them, "Let each man bring his ox and his sheep to me, and you are to slaughter them here and eat. But don't sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood.'" So every soldier brought his ox with him that night, and they slaughtered them there. Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first altar that he built to the LORD. Saul said, "Let's go down after the Philistines tonight and plunder them until dawn, and let's not leave a single one of them alive." They said, "Do whatever seems good to you!" But the priest said, "Let's draw near to God here." Saul inquired of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?" But God did not answer him that day. Saul said, "All you army officers are to come here to find out what constitutes this sin today. Indeed, as the LORD who delivers Israel lives, even if the sin is with my son Jonathan, he will surely die!" Not a single one of the soldiers answered him. Then he told all Israel, "You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side." The people told Saul, "Do what seems good to you." Then Saul told the LORD God of Israel, "Judge us properly." Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the army was cleared. Saul said, "Cast lots between me and my son Jonathan," and Jonathan was selected. Saul told Jonathan, "Tell me what you've done." So Jonathan spoke to him: "I did taste a little honey from the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I'm ready to die!" Saul said, "May God do this to me and even more, if you don't surely die, Jonathan!" Then the army told Saul, "Shall Jonathan die, who brought about this great deliverance in Israel? As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head will fall to the ground, because today he did this with God's help." Then Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went back to their territory. When Saul became king over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Everywhere he turned he was victorious. He acted valiantly, defeated Amalek, and delivered Israel from those who had been plundering them.
Revival, PersonalStaffHoneyRodsGood EyesPeople RefreshedSoldiersCursing The UngodlyTired In PursuitVowing To FastTirednessPlunderingSheepSpoils Of WarForbidden FoodGod's People SinningUnfaithfulness, To GodRollingEating MeatBeing FirstAltars, Built ByAltarsAltars To The LordFirst ActionsBuilding AltarsDawnNearness To GodGod Not AnsweringTo Be Given Into One's HandssaulInvestigatingIndividuals Being SilentKilling Will HappenOthers Not AnsweringCasting LotsPrayer, As Asking GodUrim And ThummimSin ConfessedDeath As PunishmentHairsHeadsPublic OpinionFar Be It!Hairs ProtectedIndividuals Saving OthersGroups going homeAmalekitesharassmentdefeat
Saul summoned the people and mustered them in Telaim, 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men from Judah.
SoldiersCensusTens Of ThousandsTwo Hundred Thousand And MorePeople Of Judah
Indeed, rebellion is the sin of divination, and arrogance is iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected this message from the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."
Rejecting God's WordPride, Evil OfRejection Of GodRejection Of God, Results OfSin, Nature OfArrogance, Punishment OfSelf WillGod Abandoning IndividualsConsequences Of Forsaking GodArrogantly Like GodIdolatryNature Of IdolatryDeposingFinal RevoltRebellion against GodSorcerycancermagicdisobediencearrogancerebellionwitches
The LORD told Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I've rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I'm sending you to Jesse from Bethlehem because I've chosen for myself one of his sons as king." Samuel said, "How can I go? Saul will hear about this and kill me!"	read more. The LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, "I've come to offer a sacrifice to the LORD.' You are to invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I'll show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for me the one I tell you." Samuel did what the LORD said and went to Bethlehem. The elders of the town came out to meet him trembling, and said, "May your coming be in peace." He said, "Peace, I've come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." Samuel consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab, and said, "Surely he's the LORD's anointed." The LORD told Samuel, "Don't look at his appearance or his height, for I've rejected him. Truly, God does not see what man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." Then Jesse summoned Abinadab and brought him before Samuel, and he said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one." Then Jesse brought Shammah, and he said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one." Jesse brought seven of his sons before Samuel, and Samuel told Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen these." Then Samuel told Jesse, "Are these all the young men?" He said, "There yet remains the youngest one, and right now he's tending the sheep." Samuel told Jesse, "Send someone to get him, for we won't do anything else until he arrives here." So he sent and brought him. He had a dark, healthy complexion, with beautiful eyes, and he was handsome. The LORD said, "Get up and anoint him, for this is the one." Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD came on David from that day forward. Then Samuel got up and went to Ramah.
Civil authoritiesHornsLeaders, PoliticalMissionaries, Task OfRejection Of God, Results OfHorns Of AnimalsAnointing KingsGod Abandoning IndividualsBefore People ActMourning In RegretSaul And DavidRejectionLeadership QualitiesgrievingsauldoubtersGuidance, God's Promises OfTownTremblingFear Of IndividualsHoliness, As Set Apart For GodWorthinessLooking Intently At PeopleGod, As SpiritAltering The BodyBeautifulThe Inner ManBad AttitudeEyes, Used Of GodDiscernment, Nature OfGod, Wisdom OfHeightImagination, Inward DesiresInner BeingPrejudiceRejecting PeopleHeart, Known To GodAccepting OthersGod, All knowingTall PeopleBeing Seen By ManAppearancesGod And The HeartAcneEating DisordersGod Knowing the Human HeartAppearances ofInner BeautypersonalitymotivesHandsome MenSeven ChildrenDavid, Early LifeChildren, examples ofSheepShepherds, As OccupationsThe Youngest ChildThose Who Kept StockBodyOutward AppearanceBeauty, In MenRed FacesGood EyesHairDavid, Rise OfAnointing With OilCeremoniesKingsKingship, HumanOilPower, HumanSymbolsThe Act Of AnointingAnointing
Let our lord order his servants who attend you to look for a man who is skilled in playing the lyre. And then when an evil spirit from God comes on you, he will play and you will be better."
HarpsInstrumentalists
One of the young men answered: "Look, I've seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skilled in playing. The man is a valiant soldier, gifted in speech, and handsome. And the LORD is with him."
David, Abilities OfMusical Instruments, types ofInstrumentalistsGod With Specific PeopleWarStress And Hard TimesSpeechHandsome Men
A champion named Goliath from Gath came out from the Philistine camp. He was four cubits and a span tall, wore a bronze helmet on his head, and wore bronze scale armor that weighed about 5,000 shekels. read more. He had bronze armor on his legs and carried a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam and the iron point of his spear weighed 600 shekels. A man carrying his shield walked in front of him. He stood still and called out to the ranks of Israel, "Why should you move into position for battle? Am I not a Philistine and you Saul's servants? Choose a man for yourselves to come down against me. If he's able to fight me and strike me down, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and strike him down, then you will become our servants and serve us." The Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel today. Send me one man and let's fight together." When Saul and all the Israelis heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and very frightened. David was the son of that Ephrathite man named Jesse from Bethlehem in Judah. He had eight sons; at the time when Saul was king he was old, having lived to an advanced age. The three oldest sons of Jesse followed Saul into battle. The names of his three sons who went to the battle were his firstborn Eliab, Abinadab, his second son, and Shammah, the third. David was the youngest, while the three oldest had followed Saul. And David would go back and forth from Saul to tend his father's sheep in Bethlehem. For 40 days the Philistine would come forward, morning and evening, to take his position. Jesse told his son David, "Take this ephah of roasted grain to your brothers, along with these ten loaves of bread, and quickly take them to your brothers in the camp. Take these ten pieces of cheese to the commander of the unit, check on the well-being of your brothers, and bring something back from them. Saul, your brothers, and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah fighting with the Philistines." David got up early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the supplies, and went as Jesse had directed him. He arrived at the encampment as the army was going out to the battle line, shouting the battle cry. Israel and the Philistines moved into position for battle, battle line facing battle line. David left the supplies he had with him in the care of the supply keeper and ran to the battle line. When he arrived there, he asked his brothers about their well-being. As he was speaking with them, the Philistine champion named Goliath from Gath came up from the Philistine battle lines and spoke his usual words, as David listened. When all the Israelis saw the man, they fled from him and were very frightened. "Did all of you see this man coming up?" one Israeli asked. "He comes up to defy Israel, and the king will richly reward the man who kills him. He will give his daughter to him and will make his father's house tax free in Israel." David asked the men who were standing by him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? Indeed, who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" The people also told him the same thing, saying, "This is what will be done for the man who kills him." Eliab his oldest brother heard him talking to the men. Eliab was angry with David and said, "Why did you come down here? And who did you leave those few sheep with in the wilderness? I know your insolence and wicked intentions. You came down just to see the battle!" "What have I done now?" David asked. "It was just a question, wasn't it?" Then he turned from him toward another person and asked the same thing. The people replied to him the same way as the first one had. When the words that David had spoken were heard, they were reported to Saul, and he sent for him. David told Saul, "Let no one's courage fail because of him; your servant will go fight this Philistine." Saul told David, "You can't go against this Philistine and fight him. You are only a young man, but he has been a warrior since his youth." David told Saul, "Your servant has been a shepherd for his father. When a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I would go out after it, strike it down, and rescue the lamb from its mouth. Then when it rose up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he defied the armies of the living God." David continued, "The LORD who delivered me from the power of the lion and the power of the bear will also deliver me from the power of this Philistine." Saul told David, "Go! And may the LORD be with you." Saul put his garments on David, set a bronze helmet on his head, and put armor on him. David strapped Saul's sword over his garments and tried to walk, but he was not used to the armor. David told Saul, "I can't walk in these because I'm not used to them," and then took them off. He took his staff in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook and put them in the pouch in his shepherd's bag. He approached the Philistine with his sling in his hand. With a man carrying his shield in front of him, the Philistine kept coming closer to David. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he had contempt for him, because he was only a young man. David had a dark, healthy complexion and was handsome. The Philistine asked David, "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?" Then the Philistine cursed David by his own gods and told David, "Come to me! I'll give your flesh to the birds of the sky and to the beasts of the field." Then David told the Philistine, "You come at me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, the God of the armies of Israel whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I'll strike you down and remove your head from you. And this very day I'll give the dead bodies of the Philistine army to the birds of the sky and to the animals of the earth, so that all the earth will know that there is a God in Israel, and this whole congregation will know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or spear. Indeed, the battle is the LORD's and he will give you into our hands." When the Philistine got up and came closer to meet David, David quickly ran to the battle line to meet the Philistine. David reached his hand into the bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine in his forehead. The stone sunk into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone; he struck down the Philistine and killed him, and there was no sword in David's hand. David ran and stood over the Philistine. He took the Philistine's sword, pulled it from its sheath, killed him, and then he cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. The men of Israel and Judah got up with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance to the valley and to the gates of Ekron. Wounded Philistines fell along the way to Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. The Israelis returned from pursuing the Philistines and plundered their camp. David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put Goliath's weapons in his tent.
Weights And Measures, LinearGiantsChampionsBreastplatesArmourHead coveringArmor ProtectionHelmetsWeights Of Other ThingsBronze ArmourBackLegsJavelinsCraftsmenIronShieldsSpearsSpinning And WeavingArmorbearerBeamsIron ObjectsVoicesChoosing PeopleSubstitutionThose Subjected To PeopleFightingdefiancedoubtersPessimismFear, Caused ByFear Of IndividualsDavid, Early LifeEight PeopleDadsThree ChildrenFirstborn SonsThe Youngest ChildHelpfulnessThose Who Kept StockThe Number FortyStandingForty DaysMore Than One MonthAt Morning And EveningCooking, Types Of FoodGrainWeights And Measures, DryTen ThingsEphah [Ten Omers]CheeseDairyTelling Of HappeningsRising Early, Examples OfChildren, Good KidsMorningOccupationsShoutingChildren, Good Examples OfRising EarlyBattle CriesThose Who Rose EarlyNo More Tending The FlockRosesEarthly ArmiesGreetingsIndividuals RunningBaggageCowardiceSuffering, Emotional Aspects OfDesertionIsrael FleeingExemptGetting RichGiving In MarriageGod, Living And Self sustainingInsultsLove, And The WorldUncircumcisionEliminating ShameOther Unimportant PeopleAnswering PeopleCriticism, against believersEmotions, Kinds OfAnger, HumanShepherds, As OccupationsSpeech, Negative Aspects OfAnger Of Man, CauseNamed People Angry With OthersEmotionsAskingKings SummoningdiscouragementHeart, HumanHuman EmotionCourage, Examples OfResisting DiscouragementChildren, examples ofInexperienceMiddle AgeYouthLimitations Of YouthWork From YouthUnable To Do Other ThingsServanthood, In SocietyAnimals, Types OfBearsDeerbeerMouthsFacial HairGod, As SaviorDavid, Character OfTrust, Importance OfBraveryDeliverance From LionsFeet Of CreaturesGod Be With YouarmorBagsequipping, physicalSlingsSmall Things God UsesFive ThingsThrowing StonesSlinging StonesPride, Examples OfSuperiorityAttractionDisdainRed FacesAppearances ofteenagerHandsome MenConfidence, Based OndogsUngodly CursingBoastersAnimals Eating PeopleEating CorpsesWild Animals DevouringBirdsConfrontationStrength, SpiritualStriving With GodUnreliabilityWeaponsBoldness Examples OfProtection, From GodArmies, GodGod As A WarriorIn God's NamearmyKnowing God, Nature OfBirds, Types Of BirdsBeheadingSkullsMammalsTo Be Given Into One's HandsGod, Activity OfGod's Activity In IsraelForeheadsAchievementdefeatSwordsDisfigurementPeoples Who FledheroesGatesRoadsTribes Of IsraelSpoils Of WarTentsMemorabiliaWeed
Saul took David that day and did not let him return to his father's house. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as he loved himself. read more. Jonathan took off the robe that he had on and gave it to David, along with his coat, his sword, his bow, and his belt. David went out and was successful everywhere Saul sent him, and Saul put him in charge of the troops. This pleased the entire army, as well as Saul's officials. When David returned from defeating the Philistine, as they were entering the city, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul, singing and dancing as they joyously played tambourines and lyres. As the women sang and played, they said, "Saul has struck down his thousands but David his ten thousands." Saul was very angry and he did not like what the women sang. He told himself, "They have attributed tens of thousands to David, but to me they have attributed thousands. What else can he have but the kingdom?" From then on Saul kept his eye on David.
People not returningFellowship, Among BelieversFaithfulness, In Human RelationshipsLove, For One AnotherCovenant RelationshipsThose Who LovedBow And Arrows, Uses OfArmourBeltsRobesArmor ProtectionDressPeople Giving ClothesPeople Stripping OffarmorRankThe Righteous ProsperJoy, And Human ExperienceLeisure, And PastimesVirginMusic To CelebratehomecomingExaggerationsPopularityComparisonsTemperEnvy, Example OfDislikingFrustrationAngry PeopleEyes, Figurative UseWatchfulness, Of BelieversWatching To EntrapThose Jealous Of Peoplesaul
From then on Saul kept his eye on David. The next day, while David was playing the lyre as he had before, the evil spirit from the LORD attacked Saul, and he began to rave inside the house with a spear in his hand.
Eyes, Figurative UseWatchfulness, Of BelieversWatching To EntrapThose Jealous Of PeoplesaulDavid, Abilities Ofevil, victory overHarpsMedicineProphecy, Methods Of OtSpiritsInstrumentalistsMental Illness
The next day, while David was playing the lyre as he had before, the evil spirit from the LORD attacked Saul, and he began to rave inside the house with a spear in his hand. Saul hurled it, thinking, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David escaped from him twice.
David, Abilities Ofevil, victory overHarpsMedicineProphecy, Methods Of OtSpiritsInstrumentalistsMental IllnessThrowing SpearsEscaping From PeopleAttempting To Kill Specific People
Saul hurled it, thinking, "I'll pin David to the wall." But David escaped from him twice. Now Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him and had departed from Saul. read more. Saul removed David from his presence and made him an officer over a division of soldiers. So David led the troops in battle. David was successful in all that he did, for the LORD was with him.
Throwing SpearsEscaping From PeopleAttempting To Kill Specific PeopleApostasy Of SaulGod With Specific PeopleFear Of IndividualsBeing ScaredGoing Out And Coming InFindingThe Righteous Prosperprospering
But all Israel and Judah loved David because he led them in battle. Saul told David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I'll give her to you as a wife. Just be an excellent soldier for me and fight the LORD's battles." Now Saul told himself, "I won't harm him myself. Instead, I'll let the Philistines harm him."	read more. David told Saul, "Who am I and what is my life or my father's family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law?" And when the time came to give Saul's daughter Merab to David, she was given as a wife to Adriel of Meholah.
Tribes Of IsraelGoing Out And Coming InThose Who LovedBetrothalBetrayalMarriage, Customs ConcerningSinglenessTreacheryFighting EnemiesClansHumilityMinistry, Qualifications ForTimiditySons In LawI Am Unimportant
He also removed his clothes and was caught up in prophetic ecstasy right in front of Samuel! He fell down naked and remained there all that day and all night. That is why people say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
Worship Day And NightNudityNaked In ShameIndividual ProphetsOld Sayingssaul
The Philistines fought against Israel, and the army of Israel fled before the Philistines. They fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
Confrontationenemies, of Israel and JudahLand, As A Divine GiftIsrael Fleeing
He brought the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there along with the bones of those who had been hanged, and they buried Saul's bones and his son Jonathan's bones in the territory of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Saul's father Kish. After they had done everything that the king commanded, God responded to prayers for the land.
BonesAnother's Burial PlaceGod Answered Prayer
1 Chron	1:48
After Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates River succeeded him.
Isa	18:7
At that time tribute will be brought to the LORD of the Heavenly Armies from a tall and smooth-skinned people, from a people feared far and wide, a nation that metes out punishment and oppresses, whose land the rivers divide, to Mount Zion, the place that bears the name of the LORD.
GiftsGiving To GodDivision Of WatersTall PeopleWaters DividingFearing Other PeopleAmerica
Act	7:58
ran him outside of the city, and began to stone him to death. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Crimesevangelists, ministry ofMartyrdom, Examples OfMartyrdom Of The SaintsMartyrdom, Methods OfOutside The City
Act	8:1
Now Saul heartily approved of putting Stephen to death. That day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and everyone except for the apostles was scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.
FugitivesChristiansdispersion, theJerusalem, Significance OfSamaritansChurch, Description OfChurch, Examples OfThe Church ScatteredAssentingApproval To KillThe Apostles In Action
Meanwhile, still spewing death threats against the Lord's disciples, Saul went to the high priest.
ThreatsThreateningsJudged As Murderersdamascusmotheringbreath
Fausets
Hebrew SHAUL
1. An early king of Edom (Ge 36:37-38).
2. Ge 46:10.
3. 1Ch 6:24.
4. First king of Israel. The names Kish and Ner, Nadab and Abi-nadab, Baal and Mephibosheth, recur in the genealogy in two generations. The family extends to Ezra's time. If the Zimri of 1Ch 9:42 be the Zimri of 1 Kings 16 it is the last stroke of the family of Saul for the kingdom. Saul was son of Kish, son of Ner, son of Abiel or Jehiel. 1Sa 9:1 omits Ner, the intermediate link, and makes Kish son of Abiel; 1Ch 8:33 supplies the link, or Ner in 1 Chronicles is not father but ancestor of Kish (1Ch 9:36-39), and Ner son of Abi-Gibeon (father or founder of Gibeon, 1Ch 8:29) is named only because he was progenitor of Saul's line, the intermediate names mentioned in 1 Samuel 9 being omitted. The proud, fierce, and self willed spirit of his tribe, Benjamin, is conspicuous in Saul (see Judges 19; 20; 21). Strong and swift fooled (2Sa 1:23), and outtopping the people by head and shoulders (1Sa 9:2), he was the "beauty" or "ornament of Israel," "a choice young man," "there was none goodlier than he."
Above all, he was the chosen of the Lord (1Sa 9:17; 10:24; 2Sa 21:6). Zelah was Kish's burial place. Gibeah was especially connected with Saul. The family was originally humble (1Sa 11), though Kish was "a mighty man of substance." Searching for Kish's donkeys three days in vain, at last, by the servant's advice, Saul consulted Samuel, who had already God's intimation that He would send at this very time a man of Benjamin who should be king. God's providence, overruling man's free movements to carry out His purpose, appears throughout the narrative. Samuel gave Saul the chiefest place at the feast on the high place to which he invited him, and the choice portion. Setting his mind at ease about his asses, now found, Samuel raised his thoughts to the throne as one "on whom was all the desire of Israel." "Little then in his own sight" (1Sa 15:17), and calling himself "of the smallest of the tribes, and his family least of all the families of Benjamin" (1Sa 9:21), Saul was very different from what he afterward became in prosperity; elevation tests men (Ps 73:18).
Samuel anointed and kissed Saul as king. On his coming to the oak ("plain") of Tabor, three men going with offerings to God to Bethel gave him two of three loaves, in recognition of his kingship. Next prophets met him, and suddenly the Spirit of God coming upon him he prophesied among them, so that the proverb concerning him then first began, "is Saul also among the prophets?" The public outward call followed at Mizpeh, when God caused the lot to fall on Saul. So modest was he that he hid himself, shunning the elevation, amidst the baggage. A band whose hearts God had touched escorted him to Gibeah, while the worthless despised him, saying "how shall this man save us?" (compare Lu 14:14, the Antitype, meekly "He held His peace"; Ps 38:13). NAHASH'S cruel threat against Jabesh Gilead, which was among the causes that made Israel desire a king (1Sa 8:3,19; 12:12), gave Saul the opportunity of displaying his patriotic bravery in rescuing the citizens and securing their lasting attachment.
His magnanimity too appears in his not allowing any to be killed of those whom the people desired to slay for saying "shall Saul reign over us?" Pious humility then breathed in his ascription of the deliverance to Jehovah, not himself (1Sa 11:12-13). Samuel then inaugurated the kingdom again at Gilgal. In 1Sa 13:1 read "Saul reigned 40 years"; so Ac 13:21, and Josephus "18 years during Samuel's life and 22 after his death" (Ant. 16:14, section 9). Saul was young in beginning his reign (1Sa 9:2), but probably verging toward 40 years old, as his son Jonathan was grown up (1Sa 13:2). Ishbosheth his youngest son (1Ch 8:33) was 40 at his death (2Sa 2:10), and as he is not mentioned among Saul's sons in 1Sa 14:49 he perhaps was born after Saul's accession. In the second year of his reign Saul revolted from the Philistines whose garrison had been advanced as far as Geba (Jehu, N.E. of Rama), (1Sa 10:5; 13:3) and gathered to him an army of 3,000.
Jonathan smote the garrison, and so brought on a Philistine invasion in full force, 30,000 chariots. 6,000 horsemen, and a multitude as the sand. The Israelites, as the Romans under the Etruscan Porscna, were deprived by their Philistine oppressors of all smiths, so that no Israelite save Saul and Jonathan had sword or spear (1Sa 13:19-21). Many hid in caves, others fled beyond Jordan, while those (600: 1Sa 13:15) who stayed with Saul followed trembling. Already some time previously Samuel had conferred with Saul as to his foreseen struggle against the Philistines, and his going down to Gilgal (not the first going for his inauguration as king, 1Sa 11:14-15; but second after revolting from the Philistines) which was the most suitable place for gathering an army.
Samuel was not directing Saul to go at once to Gilgal, as seen as he should go from him, and wait there seven days (1Sa 10:8); but that after being chosen king by lot and conquering Ammon and being confirmed as king at Gilgal, he should war with the Philistines (one main end of the Lord's appointing him king, 1Sa 9:16, "that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines, for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me"), and then go down to Gilgal, and "wait there seven days, until I come, before offering the holocaust." The Gilgal meant is that in the Jordan valley, to which Saul withdrew in order to gather soldiers for battle, and offer sacrifices, and then advance again to Gibeah and Geba, thence to encounter the Philistines encamped at Michmash. Now first Saul betrays his real character. Self will, impatience, and the spirit of disobedience made him offer without, waiting the time appointed by Jehovah's prophet; he obeyed so far and so long only as obedience did not require crossing of his self will.
Had he waited but an hour or two, he would have saved his kingdom, which was now transferred to one after God's own heart; we may forfeit the heavenly kingdom by hasty and impatient unbelief (Isa 28:16). Saul met Samuel's reproof "what hast thou done?" with self justifying excuses, as if his act had been meritorious not culpable: "I saw the people scattered from me, and thou camest not within the days appointed (Samuel had come before their expiration), and the Philistines gathered themselves. ... Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto Jehovah; I forced myself therefore (he ought to have forced himself to obey not disobey; necessity, is often the plea for sacrificing principle to expediency) and offered." Jonathan's exploit in destroying the Philistine garrison (1 Samuel 14) eventuated in driving the Philistines back to their own land. (See JONATHAN.)
The same reckless and profane impatience appears in Saul; he consults Jehovah by the priest Ahiah (1Sa 14:18 read with Septuagint, "bring here the ephod, for he took the ephod that day in the presence of Israel"; for the ark was not usually taken out, but only the ephod, for consultation, and the ark was now at Kirjath Jearim, not in Saul's little camp); then at the increasing tumult in the Philistine host, impatient to join battle, interrupted the priest, "withdraw thine hand," i.e. leave off. Contrast David's patient and implicit following of Jehovah's will, inquired through the priest, in attacking in front as well as in taking a circuit behind the Philistines (2Sa 5:19-25). Saul's adjuration that none should eat until evening betrayed his rash temper and marred the victory (1Sa 14:29-30). His scrupulosity because the people flew upon the spoil, eating the animals with the blood (1Sa 14:32-35), contrasts with true conscientiousness which was wanting in him at Gilgal (1 Samuel 13).
Now he built his first altar. Jonathan's unconscious violation of Saul's adjuration, by eating honey which revived him (1Sa 13:23, "enlightened his eyes," Ps 13:3), was the occasion of Saul again taking lightly God's name to witness that Jonathan should die (contrast Ex 20:7). But the guilt, which God's silence when consulted whethe
Gen	46:10
Simeon's sons Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, who was the son of a Canaanite woman;
"Benjamin is vicious like a wolf; what he kills in the morning he devours in the evening."
WolvesIn The MorningDividing PlunderFierce Men
"You are not to misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave unpunished the one who misuses his name.
Bad Languageethics, personalGod, The LordGod, Zeal OfIrreverenceLaw, Ten CommandmentsOaths, HumanPromises, HumanRespect, For God's CharacterSpeech, Negative Aspects OfCursingCrude LanguageSwearing Being ForbiddenProfaning God's NameUseless Words And ThinkingMisusing God's NameSocial dutiesSwearingjoking
You are not to follow the majority in doing wrong, and you are not to testify in a lawsuit so as to follow the majority and pervert justice.
CrowdsMultitudesConformityInjustice, Nature And Source OfLove, Abuse OfProof, As EvidencePublic OpinionImitatingPeer PressureMinoritiesEvil AssociationsWarnings Of Evil Associations
Lev	19:31
"You are to consult neither mediums nor familiar spirits. You are never to seek them you'll just be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
AstrologyFamiliar SpiritsDefilement, By SinGuidance, Need For God'sMediumsSeeking GodSpiritismSpiritsOccultismWitchcraftNecromancyClairvoyancesFortunetellingNot Seeking PeoplePollution ForbiddenThe Lord Is GodAvoid SpiritismDefilementSorceryghostswitchespsychics
"Moreover, a man or a woman who has a ritual spirit or a familiar spirit is certainly to die. They are to be stoned to death with boulders. They will continue to bear responsibility for their guilt."
AstrologyFamiliar SpiritsDeath penaltyMale And FemaleSorcery And MagicSpiritismWitchcraftFortunetellingNecromancyAvoid SpiritismInstructions About StoningDeath Penalty For Heresywitchespsychics
Deut	5:32
You must be careful to do what the LORD your God commanded you, turning neither to the left nor to the right.
Orthodoxy, In OtMoving ForwardNot Turning Aside
Deut	18:10
There must never be found among you anyone who sacrifices his son or daughter in fire, practices divination, interprets omens, practices sorcery,
AstrologyChild sacrificeOccultismHuman SacrificesNecromancyAvoid SorcerySorceryDrugsmagicwitchespracticepsychicsOccultism Being Forbidden
Josh	1:7
Only be strong and very courageous to ensure that you obey all the instructions that my servant Moses gave you turn neither to the right nor to the left from it so that you may succeed wherever you go.
Courage, In Facing EnemiesBeing ConfidentSuccessMoving ForwardStrength Of PeopleNot Turning AsideBe Courageous!Be Strong!Keep The Commandments!Success Through GodCourageCourage And Strength
1 Sam	8:3
His sons did not follow Samuel's example. Instead, they pursued dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
CriminalsCoveting, prohibition ofBribery, Examples OfChildren, responsibilities to parentsInjustice, Nature And Source OfProfitsSelf IndulgenceTrustworthinessWicked Children, Examples OfCovetousness, Example OfChildren, Grief To ParentsNot Imitating GoodDishonestyGreed
He will take the best products of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves and give them to his servants.
Taking Possessions
The people refused to listen to Samuel. Instead, they insisted, "No! Let a king rule over us instead!
TheocracySelf Will
1 Sam	9:1-2
There was a man from Benjamin named Kish, Abiel's son, the grandson of Zeror and great-grandson of Aphiah's son Becorath. A prominent man from Benjamin, he had a son named Saul, who was a choice and handsome young man. There was no one among the Israelis as handsome as he, and he was a head taller than any of the other people.
BodyHeadsOutward AppearanceTall PeoplestructuresaulHandsome Men
he had a son named Saul, who was a choice and handsome young man. There was no one among the Israelis as handsome as he, and he was a head taller than any of the other people.
"About this time tomorrow I'll send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him as Commander-in-Chief over my people Israel. He'll deliver my people from the control of the Philistines, because I've seen the suffering of my people and because their cry has come up to me." When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man I told you about. This man will rule over my people."
DeliverersGod's Action TomorrowAnointing KingsCries Of Distress To GodMaking KingsIndividuals Saving OthersCivil authoritiesChoices
Saul answered: "Am I not a descendant of Benjamin from the least of the tribes of Israel? Isn't my family the least important of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why have you spoken to me like this?"
ClansHumilityMinistry, Qualifications ForTimidityMinoritiesSelf AbasementSmall ThingsI Am Unimportant
Then Samuel told all the people, "Do you see the man whom the LORD has chosen? For there is no one like him among all the people." Then all the people shouted, "Long live the king!"
VoicesGroups ShoutingUnique Individuals
The people told Samuel, "Who said, "Will Saul reign over us?' Bring them to us and we will put them to death!" But Saul said, "Let no one be put to death this day, because today the LORD has delivered Israel."	read more. Then Samuel told the people, "Come, let's go to Gilgal and reaffirm the kingship there." So all the people went to Gilgal and there they made Saul king in the LORD's presence in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings in the LORD's presence, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
Approval To KillsaulMercy, Examples OfRescueAmnestyRenewalFellowship OfferingRejoicingExcitementCoronationsMaking Kings
But when you saw that Nahash, king of the Ammonites, was coming to fight you, you told me, "No, let a king rule over us instead,' even though the LORD your God was your king.
GovernmentKingsKingdom Of God, Coming OfKingship, DivineKingship, HumanTheocracy
Saul was 30 years old when he began to reign, and he ruled for 42 years over Israel. Saul chose for himself 3,000 men from Israel. There were 2,000 with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. He had sent the rest of the people home.	read more. Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison in Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land: "Listen, Hebrews!"
KingsThirtysaulConscriptionA Thousand PeopleTwo ThousandThree Thousand And UpEarthly ArmiesTrumpetGarrisonsTrumpets For Signalling
Then Samuel got up and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul mustered the people present with him, about 600 men.
CensusSix To Seven HundredSix Hundred And Above
No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel because the Philistines thought, "This will keep the Hebrews from making swords or spears." Everyone in Israel would have to go to the Philistines so each person could sharpen his plow, his mattock, his axe, and his sickle. read more. The charge was one pin for plows, mattocks, three pronged forks, and axes, or for setting the goads.
Arts And Crafts, Types ofMetalworkersBlacksmithsAxesSharpeningGoadsCoinageForks
Now a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass of Michmash.
Saul told Ahijah, "Bring the Ark of God here." For at that time the Ark of God was with the Israelis.
The Ark Moved Around
Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. How much better if the army had eaten freely today of their enemy's spoil that they found, because the slaughter among the Philistines has not been great."
HoneyGood EyesPeople Refreshed
The army grabbed the spoil, took sheep, oxen, and calves, and slaughtered them on the ground, and then the army ate them with the blood. Someone reported this to Saul: "Right now the army is sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood." He said, "You have acted treacherously. Roll a large stone to me today."	read more. Then Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the soldiers and say to them, "Let each man bring his ox and his sheep to me, and you are to slaughter them here and eat. But don't sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood.'" So every soldier brought his ox with him that night, and they slaughtered them there. Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first altar that he built to the LORD.
PlunderingSheepSpoils Of WarForbidden FoodGod's People SinningUnfaithfulness, To GodRollingEating MeatBeing FirstAltars, Built ByAltarsAltars To The LordFirst ActionsBuilding Altars
When Saul became king over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Everywhere he turned he was victorious. He acted valiantly, defeated Amalek, and delivered Israel from those who had been plundering them.	read more. Saul's sons included Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. Of his two daughters, the firstborn was named Merab, and the younger one was named Michal.
AmalekitesharassmentdefeatIndividuals Saving OthersFirstborn Daughterssaul
So Samuel replied, "Is it not true that though you were small in your own eyes you became head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed you king over Israel?
HeadshipKingsSmallnessTimidityAnointing KingsI Am Unimportant
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD came on David from that day forward. Then Samuel got up and went to Ramah. The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
David, Early LifeDavid, Rise OfAnointing With OilCeremoniesKingsKingship, HumanOilPower, HumanSymbolsThe Act Of AnointingAnointingevil, origins ofevil, victory overEvil SpiritsDemons, Evil Work OfGod, Purpose OfSleeplessnessSpiritsNames And Titles For SatanApostasy, Ot ExamplesGod Abandoning IndividualsWithout GodMental IllnessDepressionNervousnesssaul
David went to Saul and began to serve him. Saul loved him very much, and he became his armor bearer.
ArmourWasteArmorbearerThose Who Lovedarmor
Saul took David that day and did not let him return to his father's house.
People not returning
As the women sang and played, they said, "Saul has struck down his thousands but David his ten thousands."
ExaggerationsPopularityComparisons
Now Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him and had departed from Saul.
Apostasy Of SaulGod With Specific PeopleFear Of IndividualsBeing Scared
David was successful in all that he did, for the LORD was with him. When Saul saw that David was highly successful, he feared him.
FindingGod With Specific PeopleThe Righteous ProsperprosperingPersecution, Forms OfFear Of Individuals
Saul told David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I'll give her to you as a wife. Just be an excellent soldier for me and fight the LORD's battles." Now Saul told himself, "I won't harm him myself. Instead, I'll let the Philistines harm him." David told Saul, "Who am I and what is my life or my father's family in Israel that I should be the king's son-in-law?" read more. And when the time came to give Saul's daughter Merab to David, she was given as a wife to Adriel of Meholah. Saul's daughter Michal loved David. Saul was informed of this and he liked the idea. Saul told himself, "I'll give her to him and she can be a snare to him and the Philistines will harm him." So Saul told David, "For a second time you can be my son-in-law today." Saul commanded his officials, "Speak with David privately and say, "Look, the king delights in you, and all his officials love you. Now become the king's son-in-law.'" Saul's officials delivered this message to David, and he asked, "Is becoming the king's son-in-law an unimportant thing to you? I'm a poor and unimportant man." Saul's officials reported to him: "This is what David said." Saul said, "This is what you are to tell David, "The king desires no bride price except 100 Philistine foreskins to take vengeance on the king's enemies.'" Now Saul thought he would cause David to die at the hand of the Philistines. When his officials delivered this message to David, David decided it would be a good thing to become the king's son-in-law. Before the time was up, David got up, went out with his men, and struck down 200 Philistine men. David brought their foreskins and gave them all to the king so he could become the king's son-in-law. So Saul gave him his daughter Michal as a wife.
BetrothalBetrayalMarriage, Customs ConcerningSinglenessTreacheryFighting EnemiesClansHumilityMinistry, Qualifications ForTimiditySons In LawI Am UnimportantMarriage, Purpose OfMen And Women Who LovedsaulMan TrappingPrivacyThose Who LovedInferioritySmallnessUnimportant ThingsTelling What People SaiddaughtersForeskinsdowryPlansHeartlessnessOne HundredThe Number Two HundredGiving In Marriagemanhood
Then Saul was even more afraid of David, and Saul was David's enemy from that time on.
IntimidationFear Of Individuals
Jonathan spoke to his father Saul favorably about David. "The king shouldn't wrong his servant David because he has not wronged you and because what he has done has been very beneficial for you. He risked his life and struck down the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a spectacular deliverance for all Israel. You saw that and rejoiced, so why would you do wrong and shed innocent blood by killing David without cause?" read more. Saul listened to Jonathan, and swore by the life of the LORD that David would not be killed.
Wronging Other PeopleservanthoodGod, Greatness OfSuffering, Of Jesus ChristInnocent BloodExcitementRestraints From KillingRisking
Jonathan answered Saul, "David urgently requested that I let him go to Bethlehem. He said, "Please let me go because our family has a sacrifice in the town, and my brother has ordered me to come. Now, if it's acceptable to you, please let me get away so I can see my brothers.' That's the reason he didn't come to the king's table."	read more. Saul flew into a rage and told Jonathan, "You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don't I know that you have chosen Jesse's son to your shame and to the shame of your mother who bore you? As long as Jesse's son lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established! Now send someone and bring David to me. He's a dead man!" Jonathan asked his father Saul, "Why should he be killed? What did he do?" Then Saul threw the spear that was beside him to strike Jonathan down. So Jonathan realized that his father was determined to kill David.
Brothersethics, personalTownAnger, HumanTemperAnger, Sinful ExamplesAnger Of Man, UnrighteousAnger Of Man, CauseChoosing PeopleNamed People Angry With OthersShame Has ComerebellionRivalrySaul And DavidRestraints From KillingWhy Does This Happen?What Sin?SpearsThrowing Spears
Saul told his officials who were standing around him, "Listen, men of Benjamin! Will Jesse's son also give fields and vineyards to all of you? Will he make all of you officers over thousands and officers over hundreds?
David inquired of the LORD: "Shall I go and strike down these Philistines?" The LORD told David, "Go strike down the Philistines and deliver Keilah."
enquiring of GodThe Nations Attacked
David knew that Saul was devising evil plans against him, and so he told Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod."
ephodsMischiefThe Urim And Thummim
Saul went on one side of the mountain while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul while Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. Then a messenger came to Saul with this news: "Come quickly, because the Philistines have made a raid on the land!"
Opposite SidesHasty ActionMessengerHurrying Others On
Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land. The Philistines assembled, moved out, and camped at Shunem, while Saul assembled all Israel and camped at Gilboa. read more. When Saul saw the Philistine camp, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. Saul inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him, either through dreams or Urim or through prophets. Saul told his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium so I can go to her and make my inquiry through her." His servants told him, "Look, there's a woman at Endor who is a medium."
BanishmentProphets, Lives OfSpiritismFortunetellingSpiritism AvoidedMourning The Death Of OthersOccultismwitchespsychicsHuman EmotionHeart, HumanFear Of Enemiesenquiring of GodThe Urim And ThummimGod Not AnsweringProphecy AbolishedUrim And ThummimRevelation Through ProphetssaulMaidsNecromancyDivinationmagicmistress
David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not one of them escaped except for 400 young men who mounted camels and fled.
EscapingCamelsCavalryFour To Five HundredOne DayEscaping From PeopleFour And Five HundredFighting Enemies
Saul told his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised people will come and run me through and make sport of me." But his armor bearer did not want to do it because he was very frightened, so Saul took the sword and fell on it.
Despair, Description OfHope, Results Of Its AbsenceSuicideUncircumcisionAnxiety, Examples OfMaking FunApproval To Kill OneselfAbuse
They cut off his head and stripped him of his weapons. They sent people throughout the territory of the Philistines to report the good news in the temples of their idols and to the people. They put Saul's weapons in the temple of Asherah and fastened his corpse to the wall of Beth-shan.
BeheadingPeople Stripping PeoplePeople Stripping OffSkullsGood NewsFortificationsFalse GodsWallsServing Asherah
He asked me, "Who are you?' So I answered him, "I'm an Amalekite!' He begged me, "Please come stand here next to me and kill me, because I'm still alive.' read more. So I stood next to him and killed him, because I knew that he wouldn't live after he had fallen. I took the crown that had been on his head, along with the bracelet that had been on his arm, and I have brought them to your majesty."
Who Is This?SuicideAnguish, CauseDesire For DeathAs Long As Life LastsApproval To Kill OneselfBraceletsHeadsHead coveringOrnamentsKilling Kings
Saul and Jonathan, loved and handsome in life, in death were not separated. Swifter than eagles they were, and more valiant than lions.
FriendshipEaglesCompanionshipFast RunnersStrong Individuals
Ish-bosheth began to reign over Israel at the age of 40 years, and he reigned for two years, even though Judah's lineage followed David.
Two YearsList Of Kings Of Israel
When the Philistines eventually learned that Israel had anointed David to be king over Israel, they marched out in search of him. But David heard about it and retreated to his stronghold. Meanwhile, the Philistines arrived and encamped in the Rephaim Valley, read more. so David asked the LORD, "Am I to go attack the Philistines? Will you give me victory over them?" "Go get them," the LORD replied to David, "because I'm going to put the Philistines right into your hand!"
Fortificationsenemies, of Israel and JudahAttackingSelf DefenceAnointing Kingsenquiring of GodDivine DirectionThe Nations AttackedTo Be Given Into One's HandsDirection
so David asked the LORD, "Am I to go attack the Philistines? Will you give me victory over them?" "Go get them," the LORD replied to David, "because I'm going to put the Philistines right into your hand!" So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated them there. He called the place Baal-perazim, because he said, "Like a bursting flood, the LORD has jumped out in front of me to fight my enemies."
enquiring of GodDivine DirectionThe Nations AttackedTo Be Given Into One's HandsDirectionBreaking Forth
So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated them there. He called the place Baal-perazim, because he said, "Like a bursting flood, the LORD has jumped out in front of me to fight my enemies." The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his army carried them off.
Breaking ForthAbandoning ThingsAbandoning Idols
The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his army carried them off. Later, the Philistines once again marched out and encamped in the Rephaim Valley.
Abandoning ThingsAbandoning Idolsreinforcement
Later, the Philistines once again marched out and encamped in the Rephaim Valley. When David asked the LORD about it, he said, "Don't attack them directly. Instead, go around to the rear and attack them opposite those balsam trees. read more. When you hear the sound of marching coming from the tops of the balsam trees, then be sure to act quickly, since the LORD will have gone out ahead of you to cut down the Philistine army." So David did exactly what the LORD ordered him to do, and he struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.
reinforcementenquiring of GodTreesFallingGod Going BeforeHearing ThingsMoving OnmovementfootprintsarmyCommands, in OT
At this point, David told Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."
Conviction, Leading To RepentanceBlasphemy, At GodInferiorityReceptivenessSin, Accepting Forgiveness OfSin, Deliverance From GodSin BearerAcknowledge, SinDeath For Other ReasonsGod Has ForgivenWe Have SinnedConfession of sinconfessing
They told the king, "The man who consumed us, who planned our destruction intending to leave us with nothing in the territory of Israel
TrapAttempting To Kill Me
David had Saul's bones and the bones of his son Jonathan removed from the custody of certain men from Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square in Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them that is, back on the day when the Philistines had killed Saul on Mount Gilboa. He brought the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from there along with the bones of those who had been hanged, read more. and they buried Saul's bones and his son Jonathan's bones in the territory of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Saul's father Kish. After they had done everything that the king commanded, God responded to prayers for the land.
SecrecyBonesPeople Hung To DeathAnother's Burial PlaceGod Answered Prayer
Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and his wife was named Maacah.
Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
1 Chron	9:36-39
His firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth. read more. Mikloth fathered Shimeam. They lived across town from their relatives in Jerusalem. Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, and Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
Firstborn Sons
Ahaz fathered Jarah, and Jarah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza, and
1 Chron	10:13
So Saul died for his transgressions; that is, he acted unfaithfully to the LORD by transgressing the message from the LORD (which he did not keep), by consulting a medium for advice,
Last ThingsMediumsSin, God's Judgment OnSin, Nature OfUnfaithfulness, To GodWord Of GodOccultismPunishment Of the WickedNames And Titles For The ChristianNecromancypsychics
Psa	5:8
LORD, lead me in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your path straight before me.
Guidance, Receiving God'sStraight PathsWalking In The Ways Of GodChrist Our Righteousnessguidance
Psa	9:15-16
The nations have sunk down into the pit they made, their feet are ensnared in the trap they set. The LORD has made himself known, executing judgment. The wicked are ensnared by what their hands have made. Interlude
NetsPitsHeathenDigging PitsHidden ThingsTrapping OneselfPit Used As TrapsTrapSin, Consequences OfKnowing That There Is A GodPsalm Interjections
Psa	13:3
Look at me! Answer me, LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes! Otherwise, I will sleep in death;
Sleep, And DeathDimness Of VisionFear, Of DeathGod Giving LightFear Of DeathOvercoming Adversity
Psa	16:4-6
Those who hurry after another god will have many sorrows; I will not present their drink offerings of blood, nor will my lips speak their names. The LORD is my inheritance and my cup; you support my lot.	read more. The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places for me; truly, I have a beautiful heritage.
Blood Of SacrificesSorrowIdolatryMaking Cereal Offerings And LibationsThe Ungodly SufferingNo Help In Other GodsWorshiping TogetherSolutions To InsecurityGod Is My PortionInheritanceThe FutureSupportBeautifulBoundariesHappinessHeritageBeauty Of Naturealignment
As for the ways of mankind, I have, according to the words of your lips, avoided the ways of the violent.
Evil WaysLipsBible, Given ForAvoiding ViolenceAvoiding EvilSatan as DestroyerPaths
Argue my case, LORD, against those who argue against me. Fight against those who fight against me. Take up the buckler and the shield, and rise up to help me.	read more. Take out the spear and the ax to confront the one who pursues me; say to me, "I am your deliverer!"
First To FightBattleEnemy AttacksstrivingGod Help!armorhelpAxesPursuing ViolenceThrowing SpearsWeapons Of GodGod My Salvationdeliverance
Psa	38:13
I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, and like the mute, who cannot open his mouth.
DeafnessdisabilitiesMutenessSpiritual DeafnessIndividuals Being SilentUnhearingnegativity
Would that Israel's deliverance come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad. To the Director: With stringed instruments. A Davidic instruction, when the Ziphites came and told Saul, "David is hiding among us, is he not?"
Joy, Of IsraelRestoring NationsGod Saves The NeedyRejoicing In Success
You have certainly set them in slippery places; you will make them fall to their ruin.
The Insecurity Of The WickedSlipperyness
God of vengeance, LORD God of vengeance, display your splendor! Stand up, judge of the earth, and repay the proud.
Light, SpiritualGod Is LightGod Executes VengeanceRevengeGod, As JudgeJudgesGod ArisingGod Opposes The Proud
He will repay them for their sin; he will annihilate them because of their evil. The LORD our God will annihilate them.
Fruits Of SinDestruction Of The WickedGod Has RequitedGod Makes Evil Reboundwickedness
Psa	101:2
I will pay attention to living a life of integrity when will I attain it? I will live with integrity of heart in my house.
LifestylesLearning The Right WayThe Timing Of His Comingbehavior
Prov	21:1
A king's heart is a water stream that the LORD controls; he directs it wherever he pleases.
ControlGod, Purpose OfGovernmentWater IrrigationKingdomsHand Of GodPredestinationGod's Providential ControlWater ChannelRiversMighty in its influenceBrooksDirectionDecision MakingGod Being In Control
Wrath can be fierce and anger overwhelms but who can stand up to jealousy?
EnvyJealousyAble To StandPassionBeing Overwhelmedwrath
Prov	29:25
Fearing any human being is a trap, but confiding in the LORD keeps anyone safe.
AnxietyAbrahamCowardiceFaith, Nature OfBeing AfraidBetrayalPeace, Human Destruction OfRest, SpiritualSafetyTrapTrust, Importance OfParalyticsBetrayal, God Never WillFear Of ManTrusting In GodThe Effects Of FaithEvil TrappingDanger From MenExamples Of Fearful MenFearing GodFear And WorryTrusting OthersBeing ScaredTrusting God And Not WorryingProtection And Safety
Eccles	4:4
Then I examined all sorts of work, including all kinds of excellent achievements that create envy in others. This also is pointless and chasing after the wind.
VanityUseless EndeavourMotivationSuccess And Hard WorkCompetitionaccomplishmentsaccomplishmenthardworkstriving
Isa	28:16
therefore this is what the LORD God says: "Look! I am laying a foundation stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation: Whoever believes firmly will not act hastily.
Freedom, Of The WillFoundationsCornerstonesFaith, Necessity OfGod, The RockMasonsNot AshamedTrust, Importance OfZion, As A SymbolChrist, Names ForCornerstoneSpiritual FoundationsCapstoneMessianic PropheciesChrist The RockThe Effects Of FaithCauses of failure in
Jer	2:19
Your wickedness will be punished, and you will be corrected due to your acts of apostasy. Know and see that it's evil and bitter for you to forsake the LORD your God, but the fear of me is not in you," declares the Lord GOD of the Heavenly Armies.
RebukeFruits Of SinConsequences Of Forsaking GodNo Fear Of GodReproving PeopleBackslidingPunishmentsBackslidersapostasyFalling Away From God
Matt	12:43-45
"Whenever an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it wanders through waterless places looking for a place to rest, but finds none. Then it says, "I will go back to my home that I left.' When it arrives, it finds it empty, swept clean, and put in order. read more. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and settle there. And so the final condition of that person becomes worse than the first. That's just what will happen to this evil generation!"
Evil SpiritsRestlessnessParables Of ChristNames And Titles For SatanComing Out Of PeopleDry PlacesDemonic InfluencePutting In OrderEmpty PeopleMetaphorical HousesSoliloquySweepingIndividuals going homespaceorderevil, origins ofSevenEvil GenerationsSeven SpiritsDemons EnteringMore ThanWorseBackslidersDemonsCasting Out Demonshomecoming
Luk	14:14
Then you will be blessed because they can't repay you. And you will be repaid when the righteous are resurrected."
Hospitality, Shown ToHospitalityThe Recompense Of The RighteousGod Will BlessGod Will RequiteOur ResurrectionThe ResurrectionGiving Without Expecting ReturnHelping Those In NeedGiving Back
John	5:44
How can you believe when you accept each other's praise and do not look for the praise that comes from the only God?
Attention SeekersUnbelief, Sourced InGod AloneNot Seeking GodNot Believing In JesusNo Other Is GodSeeking HonourBelieving In YourselfNot Being AloneAppreciation For Pastors
John	12:43
For they loved the praise of human beings more than the praise of God.
CommendationLove, Abuse OfLove, Nature OfPopularityMen PleasersWorldliness, AvoidPleasing MenPopularity SoughtLoving Other ThingsPeople Commended By GodWorshiping GodFinding LoveWorshiping TogetherGodly ManServant Leadershipcriticismrecognitionadorationpeople
Act	13:21
"After that, he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. When they demanded a king, God gave them Kish's son Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years.
Forty YearsThe Number Forty40 To 50 Years
Rom	3:8
Or can we say as some people slander us by claiming that we say "Let's do evil that good may result"? They deserve to be condemned!
Abuse, Of Spiritual ThingsClaimsLiesFalse Accusations, Examples OfContinuing In SinGood Activity
Rom	12:19
Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me. I will pay them back, declares the Lord."
AngerGod, Justice OfLordship, Human And DivineRapeRetributionRevenge, And RetaliationSelf DefenceDuties To EnemiesJudgements WrittenRight Time For GodGod Executes VengeanceGod Will RequiteNot AvengingAll Things Belong To GodA Tough Break UpTurning The Other CheekThe scripturesPunishmentRevengespacewrath
1. Son of Kish, a Benjamite, the first king of Israel. We first meet him about to abandon the search for his father's asses, when his servant suggested consulting Samuel. As it was customary to bring a present to a seer, and the wallet was empty, Saul hesitated till the servant produced the fourth part of a shekel of silver to give to the man of God. The seer, Divinely prepared for their arrival, met them as he was on his way to the high place to sacrifice. A banquet was made ready, and special honour paid to Saul by Samuel. The seer told the seekers that the asses had been found, and broached the matter of the kingdom to Saul, and anointed him as he was leaving. Saul was given certain signs in attestation of Samuel's message, and after leaving the seer's house, where he and his servant spent the night, he met a band of prophets, and soon was prophesying among them, to the marvel of his acquaintances (1Sa 10:10). This narrative gives no hint that the people asked for a king, or that his selection would be displeasing to either Samuel or Jehovah.
The account is interrupted at 1Sa 10:17 by one of a different temper. The people demand a king, which Samuel interprets to be a rejection of Jehovah, their true king, and Saul, after protest, is elected by lot at Mizpah. He remained quietly at home till Nahash's cruel demand that the men of Jabesh-gilead should surrender to him, and each one lose the right eye, roused him. He was ploughing in the field when the news reached him, and immediately sacrificed the oxen, sending out parts of the sacrifice to his brethren with the command that they should follow him. When the army was mustered he marched to Jabesh-gilead and administered a crushing defeat to Nahash, after which his grateful countrymen made him king at Gilgal (ch. 11). A still greater necessity for a king appears in the encroachments of the Philistines. Saul and Jonathan, his son, were encamped in Michmash and Gibeah (Geba), when Jonathan smote the 'garrison' (?) of the Philistines in Geba, thus precipitating the struggle. The plan of the Philistines was to send out plundering parties, and Jonathan threw the whole camp into confusion by surprising one of its guerilla headquarters (1Sa 13:1-3; 14:1 f.). When Saul heard of the flight of the enemy he inquired of the oracle what to do, but the rout was so apparent that he joined pursuit without the answer. The destruction of the enemy would have been greater had not Saul put a taboo on food. In the evening the famished warriors fell upon the cattle, and ate without sacrificing till the reported impiety reached the ears of Saul, who legitimated the meal by sacrificing at a great stone. As he failed to receive an answer from the oracle, when he Inquired whether he should pursue the Philistines farther, Saul concluded that some one had sinned. An inquiry was taken to the oracle, and the fault was found to lie with Jonathan, who confessed to having tasted honey. He was, however, delivered by the people from the penalty, for Saul had sworn that he should die (1Sa 14:17-45).
This narrative (chs. 13, 14) is interrupted at 1Sa 13:8 to 1Sa 15:35 by an account which represents Samuel as taking issue with Saul for sacrificing at the end of an appointed period of seven days, and announcing his rejection (See art. Samuel, p. 823). We have from another source (ch. 15) a story of the encounter with Amalek, against whom Samuel sent Saul with instructions to destroy men, women, children, and spoil. Saul, however, spares Agag, and part of the booty. This is now assigned as the reason for his rejection. Saul acknowledged his fault, but begged Samuel to honour him before the people by sacrificing with him. In his importunity he lays hold of Samuel's garment, which is rent, and becomes the symbol of the kingdom wrested from Saul. Samuel relents and worships with him.
The second stage of Saul's life concerns his relations with David. Saul is advised to employ music as a relief from a deep-seated mental trouble, called 'an evil spirit from the Lord.' David, a skilled harper and celebrated soldier, is engaged. Saul loves him, and makes him his armour-bearer (1Sa 16:14-23). The Philistines again assemble, this time at Socoh; Goliath issues his challenge, but no one responds. The lad David, who had come to the camp to visit his brethren, learns of the proffered reward, meets the boaster in single combat, and kills him. In this story Saul seems weak, irresolute, and unacquainted with David (ch. 17). David's growing popularity and prowess lead Saul to attempt his life. Michal, Saul's daughter, is offered to him in marriage in return for one hundred Philistines. The hazard involved failed to accomplish his death. Then David's house is surrounded, but Michal manages David's escape through a window (1Sa 18:6-9; 20:29; 19:11-17). Merab, Saul's elder daughter, was also offered to David, but withdrawn when he should have had her. This seems to be an effort to explain why David did not receive Saul's daughter after he had slain the giant. David flees to Ramah, and Saul, seeking him there, is seized with the prophetic frenzy and rendered powerless (1Sa 19:18-24). David again flees, and receives help from the priests at Nob. So enraged was Saul that he ordered the slaughter of the entire priesthood there (chs. 20
When they arrived there at Gibeah, a band of prophets was right there to meet them. The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he prophesied along with them.
equipping, spiritualThe Spirit Of GodPromises Of The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit, Source Of WisdomSchoolgroups
Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah.
CongregationAssembling Israel
Saul waited seven days for the appointment set by Samuel. When Samuel did not arrive at Gilgal, as the people began to scatter from Saul,
WeeksSeven DaysPeople WaitingScattering FollowersWaiting For God's Timing
One day Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the Philistine garrison which is on the other side," but he did not tell his father.
ArmourGarrisonsManlinessCrossing To The Other SideThose Who Did Not Tell
Saul told the people who were with him, "Do a roll call and see who has left us." They did a roll call, and Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. Saul told Ahijah, "Bring the Ark of God here." For at that time the Ark of God was with the Israelis.	read more. While Saul was still speaking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp increased more and more, and Saul told the priest, "Remove your hand." Then Saul and all the people who were with him assembled and went into battle. Now the swords of all the Philistines were against each other, and there was very great confusion. The Hebrews who had previously been with the Philistines, who had gone up with them from the surrounding areas to the camp, even they joined Israel and those who were with Saul and Jonathan. All the Israelis who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, and even they pursued the Philistines in the battle. On that day the LORD delivered Israel, and the battle moved past Beth-aven. The men of Israel were hard pressed on that day, and Saul required the army to take an oath: "Cursed is the person who eats food before evening and before I've been avenged of my enemies." So no one tasted food. Later on, all the soldiers entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground. The people came into the woods and there was flowing honey, but no one put his hand to his mouth to eat it because the people were afraid due to the oath. But Jonathan had not heard that his father had required the army to swear an oath, so he stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb. He brought it back to his mouth and his eyes brightened. Then one of the people responded: "Your father strictly ordered the army to take an oath. That's why he said, "Cursed is the person who eats food today,' and so the army is exhausted." Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. How much better if the army had eaten freely today of their enemy's spoil that they found, because the slaughter among the Philistines has not been great." That day they struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, and the army was very weary. The army grabbed the spoil, took sheep, oxen, and calves, and slaughtered them on the ground, and then the army ate them with the blood. Someone reported this to Saul: "Right now the army is sinning against the LORD by eating meat with the blood." He said, "You have acted treacherously. Roll a large stone to me today." Then Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the soldiers and say to them, "Let each man bring his ox and his sheep to me, and you are to slaughter them here and eat. But don't sin against the LORD by eating meat with the blood.'" So every soldier brought his ox with him that night, and they slaughtered them there. Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first altar that he built to the LORD. Saul said, "Let's go down after the Philistines tonight and plunder them until dawn, and let's not leave a single one of them alive." They said, "Do whatever seems good to you!" But the priest said, "Let's draw near to God here." Saul inquired of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?" But God did not answer him that day. Saul said, "All you army officers are to come here to find out what constitutes this sin today. Indeed, as the LORD who delivers Israel lives, even if the sin is with my son Jonathan, he will surely die!" Not a single one of the soldiers answered him. Then he told all Israel, "You will be on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will be on the other side." The people told Saul, "Do what seems good to you." Then Saul told the LORD God of Israel, "Judge us properly." Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the army was cleared. Saul said, "Cast lots between me and my son Jonathan," and Jonathan was selected. Saul told Jonathan, "Tell me what you've done." So Jonathan spoke to him: "I did taste a little honey from the end of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I'm ready to die!" Saul said, "May God do this to me and even more, if you don't surely die, Jonathan!" Then the army told Saul, "Shall Jonathan die, who brought about this great deliverance in Israel? As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head will fall to the ground, because today he did this with God's help."
Counting SoldiersGone AwayThe Ark Moved AroundPlucking OutDisorder Among The NationsConfusionChaosFighting One AnotherKilling One AnotherWarBattlearmystoriesTurning Against MenreinforcementHeatHiding From PeoplePeoples Who FledGod Saves The NeedyCurses, HumanFasting, Nature OfPromises, HumanRashnessAdjurationCursing The UngodlyMan AvengingVowing To FastPeople Bound By OathsRevival, PersonalStaffHoneyRodsGood EyesPeople RefreshedSoldiersTired In PursuitTirednessPlunderingSheepSpoils Of WarForbidden FoodGod's People SinningUnfaithfulness, To GodRollingEating MeatBeing FirstAltars, Built ByAltarsAltars To The LordFirst ActionsBuilding AltarsDawnNearness To GodGod Not AnsweringTo Be Given Into One's HandssaulInvestigatingIndividuals Being SilentKilling Will HappenOthers Not AnsweringCasting LotsPrayer, As Asking GodUrim And ThummimSin ConfessedDeath As PunishmentHairsHeadsPublic OpinionFar Be It!Hairs ProtectedIndividuals Saving Others
Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul, and the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Not Seeing PeopleMourning In RegretRegrettingsaul
The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. Saul's servants told him, "Look, an evil spirit from God is troubling you. read more. Let our lord order his servants who attend you to look for a man who is skilled in playing the lyre. And then when an evil spirit from God comes on you, he will play and you will be better." Saul told his servants, "Find a man for me who can play well and bring him to me." One of the young men answered: "Look, I've seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skilled in playing. The man is a valiant soldier, gifted in speech, and handsome. And the LORD is with him." So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me your son David, who is with the sheep." Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a container of wine, and one kid, and sent them to Saul along with his son David. David went to Saul and began to serve him. Saul loved him very much, and he became his armor bearer. Saul sent a messenger to Jesse to tell him, "Allow David to serve me, because I'm pleased with him." Whenever an evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the lyre and play it. Relief would come to Saul and he would be better, because the evil spirit would leave him.
evil, origins ofevil, victory overEvil SpiritsDemons, Evil Work OfGod, Purpose OfSleeplessnessSpiritsNames And Titles For SatanApostasy, Ot ExamplesGod Abandoning IndividualsWithout GodMental IllnessDepressionNervousnesssaulHarpsInstrumentalistsDavid, Abilities OfMusical Instruments, types ofGod With Specific PeopleWarStress And Hard TimesSpeechHandsome MenMessengers Sent OutThose Who Kept StockQuantities Of WineArmourWasteArmorbearerThose Who LovedarmorHuman FavourNetworkingLeisure, And PastimesMedicineMusiciansTemperamentPeople RefreshedMental HealthAtmosphereAnxiety And DepressioninstrumentsDemonic Influence
When David returned from defeating the Philistine, as they were entering the city, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul, singing and dancing as they joyously played tambourines and lyres. As the women sang and played, they said, "Saul has struck down his thousands but David his ten thousands."	read more. Saul was very angry and he did not like what the women sang. He told himself, "They have attributed tens of thousands to David, but to me they have attributed thousands. What else can he have but the kingdom?" From then on Saul kept his eye on David.
Joy, And Human ExperienceLeisure, And PastimesVirginMusic To CelebratehomecomingExaggerationsPopularityComparisonsTemperEnvy, Example OfDislikingFrustrationAngry PeopleEyes, Figurative UseWatchfulness, Of BelieversWatching To EntrapThose Jealous Of Peoplesaul
Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him so they could kill him in the morning. David's wife, Michal, told him, "If you don't escape with your life tonight, tomorrow you'll be put to death." So Michal let David down through the window, and he escaped and fled. read more. Then Michal took the household idol and laid it on the bed with a cover of goat hair placed at its head. Then she covered it with clothes. When Saul sent the messengers to take David, Michal said, "He's sick." Then Saul sent messengers to check on David. He told them, "Bring him to me on the bed so I may kill him." The messengers went in, and there was the household idol in the bed with the cover of goat hair at its head! Then Saul told Michal, "Why did you deceive me like this and let my enemy go so he could escape?" Michal told Saul, "He told me, "Let me go or I'll kill you!'" David escaped and fled. He came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went and stayed at Naioth. It was reported to Saul saying, "David is at Naioth in Ramah right now." Saul sent messengers to take David, and they saw a group of prophets caught up in prophetic ecstasy, with Samuel standing beside them leading them. Then the Spirit of God came on Saul's messengers, and they also were caught up in prophetic ecstasy. They reported this to Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also were caught up in prophetic ecstasy. Then Saul himself went to Ramah, and he arrived at the large well that is in Secu. He asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" Someone replied, "They're at Naioth in Ramah." Saul went to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God came on him also. He continued in prophetic ecstasy until he came to Naioth in Ramah. He also removed his clothes and was caught up in prophetic ecstasy right in front of Samuel! He fell down naked and remained there all that day and all night. That is why people say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
DawnWatchfulness, Of BelieversDuring One NightEscaping, Physical ThingsExamples Of EscapingRopesLowered From WindowsLowering PeopleriskHairsHairclothThose Who DeceivedLying, Examples OfSick IndividualsRestraints From KillingEscaping From PeopleTelling Of HappeningsTelling Of MovementsSchoolSchool Of ProphetsThe Spirit Of GodSchoolsCommunicating Three TimesWhere Are People?Worship Day And NightNudityNaked In ShameIndividual ProphetsOld Sayingssaul
He said, "Please let me go because our family has a sacrifice in the town, and my brother has ordered me to come. Now, if it's acceptable to you, please let me get away so I can see my brothers.' That's the reason he didn't come to the king's table."
Brothersethics, personalTown
David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and he lived in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not let David slip into Saul's control. David was afraid because Saul had come out to seek his life while David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. read more. Saul's son Jonathan got up and went to David at Horesh, and he encouraged him to trust in God. Jonathan told him, "Don't be afraid. My father Saul won't find you, and you will be king over Israel. I'll be your second-in-command. My father Saul also knows this." The two of them made a covenant in the LORD's presence. David remained at Horesh while Jonathan went home. People from Ziph came up to Saul at Gibeah and informed him, "David is hiding with us in the strongholds in Horesh and on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon, isn't he? Now, your majesty, whenever you want to come down, come down, and our part will be to hand him over to the king." Saul said, "May you be blessed by the LORD, because you have been gracious to me. Go and again make sure, find out and investigate where he is and who has seen him there, for people tell me that he's very clever. Investigate and find out all the hiding places there where he hides, and return to me with reliable information. Then I'll go down with you, and if he's in the land, I'll search him out among all the thousands of Judah." The people from Ziph got up and left Saul, while David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon. When Saul and his men went to search for David, some people told David, and he went down to the Rock of Escape and remained in the wilderness of Maon. Saul heard this and he pursued David into the wilderness of Maon. Saul went on one side of the mountain while David and his men went on the other side of the mountain. David was hurrying to get away from Saul while Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. Then a messenger came to Saul with this news: "Come quickly, because the Philistines have made a raid on the land!" So Saul turned around from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines. Therefore, they call that place the Rock of Escape. David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of En-gedi.
David, Rise OfFortificationsFortressesHillsSelf DefenceUnceasingAlways Being ActiveNot Given Into One's HandsThose Looking For PeopleAttempting To Kill Specific PeopleFellowship, Among BelieversFaithfulness, In Human Relationshipsencouragement, examples ofGod Strengthening PeoplePeople Encouraging OthersFriendship And TrustLoneliness And DepressionNervousnessencouragingrelentlessPeople With General KnowledgeDo Not Fear MenSaul And DavidreassuranceTreatySouthTelling Of MovementsPeople Showing MercyMay God Bless!empathyHuntingHiding From PeopleDeserts, SpecificRocksPursuingStones For ProtectionOpposite SidesHasty ActionMessengerHurrying Others OnEscapingEscaping From PeopleForts
Shortly after Saul had died, David returned from defeating the Amalekites and remained in Ziklag for two days. The next day, a man escaped from Saul's camp! With torn clothes and dirty hair, he approached David, fell to the ground, and bowed down to him.	read more. David asked him, "Where did you come from? He answered him, "I just escaped from Israel's encampment." David continued questioning him, "How did things go? Please tell me!" He replied, "The army has fled the battlefield, many of the army are wounded or have died, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead." David asked the young man who related the story, "How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?" The young man who had been relating the story answered, "I happened to be on Mount Gilboa and there was Saul, leaning on his spear! Meanwhile, the chariots and horsemen were rapidly drawing near. Saul glanced behind him, saw me, and called out to me, so I replied, "Here I am!' He asked me, "Who are you?' So I answered him, "I'm an Amalekite!' He begged me, "Please come stand here next to me and kill me, because I'm still alive.' So I stood next to him and killed him, because I knew that he wouldn't live after he had fallen. I took the crown that had been on his head, along with the bracelet that had been on his arm, and I have brought them to your majesty." On hearing this, David grabbed his clothes and tore them, as did all the men who were attending to him. They mourned and wept, and then decided to fast until dusk for Saul, for his son Jonathan, for the army of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen in battle. Meanwhile, David asked the young man who had told him the story, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I'm an Amalekite, the son of a foreign man." At this David asked him, "How is it that you weren't afraid to raise your hand to strike the LORD's anointed?" Then David called out to one of his young men and ordered him, "Go up to him and cut him down!" So he attacked him and killed him. David told him, "Your blood is on your own head, because your own words testified against you! After all, you said, "I myself have killed the LORD's anointed!'"
Two DaysBowingThe Third Day Of The WeekBowing Before DavidDust On The HeadThose Who Tore ClothesPraising Specific PeopleEscaping, Physical ThingsExamples Of EscapingEscaping From PeopleWhere From?Israel FleeingWhat Manner?saulChariotsChanceAttacking With ChariotsOther SupportingBehold Me!Kings SummoningWho Is This?SuicideAnguish, CauseDesire For DeathAs Long As Life LastsApproval To Kill OneselfBraceletsHeadsHead coveringOrnamentsKilling KingsFasting, Nature OfEveningLossWeepingAction Until EveningFasting In MourningMourning The Death Of OthersThe Lord's AnointedWhy Do You Do This?Blood, Figurative UseWitness Against Oneselftraitors
Morish
Saul.
One of the ancient kings of Edom. Ge 36:37-38. Called SHAUL in 1Ch 1:48-49.
Son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, and the first king of Israel. He was anointed by Samuel by God's direction when the Israelites demanded a king. As the king whom they had chosen and desired, 'a new heart' was given him, and he had a fair start in his reign; but he signally failed in obedience to God, by the word of Samuel. He was rejected, and David was anointed, whom for years he malignantly persecuted. Being forsaken of God, without faith or conscience he resorted to one with a familiar spirit, and there heard his doom. (See DIVINATION.) He was conquered by the Philistines, the very people he was to have overcome. Thus royalty, as everything else committed to man by God, at once failed. For details of Saul's life see SAMUEL, FIRST BOOK OF.
After Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates River succeeded him. After Shaul died, Achbor's son Baal-hanan succeeded him.
(desired), more accurately Shaul.
1. One of the early kings of Edom, and successor of Samlah.
Ge 36:37-38; 1Ch 1:48
(B.C. after 1450.)
2. The first king of Israel, the son of Kish, and of the tribe of Benjamin. (B.C, 1095-1055.) His character is in part illustrated by the fierce, wayward, fitful nature of the tribe and in part accounted for by the struggle between the old and new systems in which he found himself involved. To this we must add a taint of madness. which broke out in violent frenzy at times leaving him with long lucid intervals. He was remarkable for his strength and activity,
2Sa 1:25
and, like the Homeric heroes, of gigantic stature, taller by head and shoulders than the rest of the people, and of that kind of beauty denoted by the Hebrew word "good,"
1Sa 9:2
and which caused him to be compared to the gazelle, "the gazelle of Israel." His birthplace is not expressly mentioned; but, as Zelah in Benjamin was the place of Kish's sepulchre.
2Sa 21:14
it was probable; his native village. His father, Kish, was a powerful and wealthy chief though the family to which he belonged was of little importance.
1Sa 9:1,21
A portion of his property consisted of a drove of asses. In search of these asses, gone astray on the mountains, he sent his son Saul It was while prosecuting this adventure that Saul met with Samuel for the first time at his home in Ramah, five miles north of Jerusalem. A divine intimation had made known to him the approach of Saul, whom he treated with special favor, and the next morning descending with him to the skirts of the town, Samuel poured over Saul's head the consecrated oil, and with a kiss of salutation announced to him that he was to be the ruler of the nation.
1-Samuel/9/25/type/isv'>1Sa 9:25,1; 10:1
Returning homeward his call was confirmed by the incidents which according to Samuel's prediction, awaited him.
1Sa 10:9-10
What may be named the public call occurred at Mizpeh, when lots were cast to find the tribe and family which was to produce the king, and Saul, by a divine intimation was found hid in the circle of baggage which surrounded the encampment.
1Sa 10:17-24
Returning to Gibeah, apparently to private life, he heard the threat issued by Nahash king of Ammon against Jabesh-gilead. He speedily collected an army, and Jabesh was rescued. The effect was instantaneous on the people, and the monarchy was inaugurated anew at Gilgal.
1Sa 11
It should be, however, observed that according to
the affair of Nahash preceded and occasioned the election of Saul. Although king of Israel, his rule was at first limited; but in the second year of his reign he began to organize an attempt to shake off the Philistine yoke, and an army was formed. In this crisis, Saul, now on the very confines of his kingdom at Gilgal, impatient at Samuel's delay, whom he had directed to be present, offered sacrifice himself. Samuel, arriving later, pronounced the first curse, on his impetuous zeal.
After the Philistines were driven back to their own country occurred the first appearance of Saul's madness in the rash vow which all but cost the life of his soil.
1Sa 14:24,44
The expulsion of the Philistines, although not entirely completed, ch.
at once placed Saul in a position higher than that of any previous ruler of Israel, and he made war upon the neighboring tribes. In the war with Amalek, ch.
1Sa 14:48; 15:1-9
he disobeyed the prophetical command of Samuel, which called down the second curse, and the first distinct intimation of the transference of the kingdom to a rival. The rest of Saul's life is one long tragedy. The frenzy which had given indications of itself before now at times took almost entire possession of him. In this crisis David was recommended to him. From this time forward their lives are blended together. [DAVID] In Saul's better moments he never lost the strong affection which he had contracted for David. Occasionally, too his prophetical gift returned, blended with his madness.
See David
But his acts of fierce, wild zeal increased. At last the monarchy itself broke down under the weakness of his head. The Philistines re-entered the country, and just before giving them battle Saul's courage failed and he consulted one of the necromancers, the "Witch of Endor," who had escaped his persecution. At this distance of time it is impossible to determine the relative amount of fraud or of reality in the scene which follows, though the obvious meaning of the narrative itself tends to the hypothesis of some kind of apparition. ch.
On hearing the denunciation which the apparition conveyed, Saul fell the whole length of his gigantic stature on the ground, and remained motionless till the woman and his servants forced him to eat. The next day the battle came on. The Israelites were driven up the side of Gilboa. The three sons of Saul were slain. Saul was wounded. According to one account, he fell upon his own sword,
1Sa 31:4
and died. The body on being found by the Philistines was stripped slid decapitated, and the headless trunk hung over the city walls, with those of his three sons. ch.
The head was deposited (probably at Ashdod) in the temple of Dagon
1Ch 10:10
The corpse was buried at Jabesh-gilead.
3. The Jewish name of St. Paul.
There was a man from Benjamin named Kish, Abiel's son, the grandson of Zeror and great-grandson of Aphiah's son Becorath. A prominent man from Benjamin,
When they had come down from the high place into town, Samuel spoke to Saul on the roof.
HousetopsRooftop
Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul's head, kissed him, and said, "The LORD has anointed you Commander-in-Chief over his inheritance, has he not?
People KissingAnointing, Performed OnKingsKingship, HumanKissingLeaders, PoliticalOilRankKissesOlive OilThe Act Of AnointingAnointing KingsAnointing Oil
Now it happened as Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, that God gave him another heart, and all these signs occurred on that day. When they arrived there at Gibeah, a band of prophets was right there to meet them. The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he prophesied along with them.
Heart, Fallen And RedeemedChanged HeartPeople TransformedMan's Words Fulfilledsaulequipping, spiritualThe Spirit Of GodPromises Of The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit, Source Of WisdomSchoolgroups
Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah. He told the Israelis, "This is what the LORD God of Israel says: "I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the power of Egypt and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.' read more. But today you have rejected your God who delivers you from all your troubles and difficulties. You have said, "No! Instead, appoint a king over us.' Now present yourselves in the LORD's presence by your tribes and families." Samuel brought forward all the tribes of Israel, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin according to its families, and the family of Matri was chosen. Finally, Kish's son Saul was chosen, but when they looked for him, they couldn't find him. So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" The LORD said, "He is here, hiding among the baggage." They ran and brought him from there. When he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the others by a head. Then Samuel told all the people, "Do you see the man whom the LORD has chosen? For there is no one like him among all the people." Then all the people shouted, "Long live the king!"
CongregationAssembling IsraelCruelty, God's attitude toKingdomsGod Bringing Israel Out Of EgyptSpecial RevelationRejection Of GodTheocracyNatural DisastersNowhere To Be Foundenquiring of GodHiding From PeopleBaggageHeadsTall PeopleVoicesGroups ShoutingUnique Individuals
The Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And they advanced and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in distress (for the people were in difficult circumstances), the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in crags, in tombs, and in pits. read more. Hebrews went across the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead, but Saul remained in Gilgal, and all the people followed him, trembling. Saul waited seven days for the appointment set by Samuel. When Samuel did not arrive at Gilgal, as the people began to scatter from Saul, Saul said, "Bring the burnt offering and the peace offering to me," and he offered the burnt offering. Just as he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to meet and greet him. Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul replied, "When? I saw that the people were scattering from me, that you didn't come at the appointed time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash. I thought, "The Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal but I've not sought the favor of the LORD,' so I forced myself to offer the burnt offering." Then Samuel told Saul, "You have acted foolishly. You haven't obeyed the commandment of the LORD your God, which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever, but now your kingdom won't be established. The LORD has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as Commander-in-Chief over his people because you didn't obey that which the LORD commanded you."
An Innumerable NumberFigures Of Speechenemies, of Israel and JudahChariotsAssemblyMany CombatantsSandSoldiersArmies, Against IsraelCavalrySix ThousandThirty Thousand And UpSand And GravelCavesRocksPeople In CavesHiding From PeopleCaves As Places Of RefugeFear Of EnemiesWeeksSeven DaysPeople WaitingScattering FollowersWaiting For God's TimingSacrilegePeace offeringsGreetingsSpoken GreetingsWhat Do You Do?Face Of GodYielding To TemptationImpulsesNot PrayingSeeking The Favour Of GodFools, Characteristics OfFolly, Examples Ofevil, believers' responses toStabilityThey Do Not Keep CommandssaulGod, Human Descriptions OfDavid, Character OfHeart, DivineSpiritualityDisobedience, To GodFalse AccusationsSaul And David
The men of Israel were hard pressed on that day, and Saul required the army to take an oath: "Cursed is the person who eats food before evening and before I've been avenged of my enemies." So no one tasted food.
Curses, HumanFasting, Nature OfPromises, HumanRashnessAdjurationCursing The UngodlyMan AvengingVowing To FastPeople Bound By Oaths
Saul said, "May God do this to me and even more, if you don't surely die, Jonathan!"
Death As Punishment
He acted valiantly, defeated Amalek, and delivered Israel from those who had been plundering them.
defeatIndividuals Saving Others
There was intense fighting against the Philistines during Saul's entire reign, and whenever Saul discovered a strong or valiant warrior, he would enlist him for service.
ConscriptionThe Mighty Men
Samuel told Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people, Israel. Now listen to the words of the LORD. This is what the LORD of the Heavenly Armies says: "I'll punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, when he set himself against Israel in the way, as they were going up from Egypt. read more. Now, go and attack Amalek. Completely destroy all that they have. Don't spare them, but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, both ox and sheep, camel and donkey.'" Saul summoned the people and mustered them in Telaim, 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men from Judah. Saul came to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the valley. Saul told the Kenites, "Withdraw from the Amalekites so that I don't destroy you with them, for you showed kindness to all the Israelis when they departed from Egypt." So the Kenites withdrew from the Amalekites. Saul attacked the Amalekites from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt. He captured alive Agag king of Amalek, but he completely destroyed all the people, executing them with swords. Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle the fattened animals and lambs along with all that was good. They were not willing to completely destroy them, but they did completely destroy everything that was worthless and inferior.
Anointing KingsWarfare, Nature OfBad ChildrenDeath penaltyResponsibility, Examples OfExterminationBoth Men And Animals KilledThe Death Of BabiesgenocideSoldiersCensusTens Of ThousandsTwo Hundred Thousand And MorePeople Of JudahAmbushGrace, In Human RelationshipsKindnessSeparation From Evil PeopleAnnihilationWhilst AliveFatnessCovetousness, Example Of
They took their bones, buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted for seven days.
Fasting, Nature OfSevenWeeksCemeterySeven DaysTamariskFasting In Mourning
How have the valiant fallen in the tumult of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your high places.
People StumblingDrawbacks To Man's PowerKilling Named Individuals
Meanwhile, Saul's grandson Mephibosheth also went out to greet the king. He had not taken care of his feet, trimmed his mustache, or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.
GrandchildrenInjury To FeetFacial HairUnclean Things
Everyone from my grandfather's household deserved nothing but death from your majesty the king, but you provided a place for your servant among those who have been eating from your table. So what right do I have to ask for anything more from the king?"
Possibility Of Deathgrandfathers
and they buried Saul's bones and his son Jonathan's bones in the territory of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Saul's father Kish. After they had done everything that the king commanded, God responded to prayers for the land.
Another's Burial PlaceGod Answered Prayer
Then they put Saul's armor in the temple of their gods and fastened his skull to the wall of the temple of Dagon.
False GodsSkulls
SAUL, the son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Israelites, 1Sa 9:1-2, &c. Saul's fruitless journey when seeking his father's asses; (See Ass;) his meeting the Prophet Samuel; the particulars foretold to him, with his being anointed as king, about A.M. 2909; his prophesying along with the young prophets; his appointment by the lot; his modesty in hiding himself; his first victory over the Ammonites; his rash sacrifice in the absence of Samuel; his equally rash curse; his victories over the Philistines and Amalekites; his sparing of King Agag with the judgment denounced against him for it; his jealousy and persecution of David; his barbarous massacre of the priests and people of Nob; his repeated confessions of his injustice to David, &c, are recorded in 1 Samuel 9-31. He reigned forty years, but exhibited to posterity a melancholy example of a monarch, elevated to the summit of worldly grandeur, who, having cast off the fear of God, gradually became the slave of jealousy, duplicity, treachery, and the most malignant and diabolical tempers. His behaviour toward David shows him to have been destitute of every generous and noble sentiment that can dignify human nature; and it is not an easy task to speak with any moderation of the atrocity and baseness which uniformly mark it. His character is that of a wicked man, "waxing worse and worse;" but while we are shocked at its deformity, it should be our study to profit by it, which we can only do by using it as a beacon to warn us, "lest we also be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."