King Saul first of three Kings

Hebrews 11:32 and 1 Samuel 11:1-15. King Saul first of three Kings was Israel’s first human king. He was chosen by the people reigned for 40 years 1043BC-1011BC. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and the first King of Israel.

Saul prophesied after Samuel anointed him as King and before being presented to Israel as their King.

After an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul.

King Saul tried to kill David in a fit of anger because of jealousy by throwing a spear.

King Saul was prophesying before he tried to kill David with a spear.

Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.

Hebrew name of Saul means: asked for.

Background Reading:

11:32 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell you about Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, the prophets, Samson, Samuel, Saul and David.
11:34 Whose weakness was turned to strength, Abraham, Saul, David, Elijah from Jezebel.
Hebrews11:32 and 11:34

and

Saul Rescues the City of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites

11:1 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.”

2 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.”

3 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.” 4 When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and reported the terms to the people, all the people cried loudly.

5 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.

6 When Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God came on him, and he was very angry. 7 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.

8 Saul mustered them at Bezek, and there were 300,000 Israelis and 30,000 men of Judah. 9 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.

10 The men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you and surrender. Then you can do whatever you want to us.”

11 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.

12 The people told Samuel, “Who said, ‘Will Saul reign over us?’ Bring them to us and we will put them to death!”

13 But Saul said, “Let no one be put to death this day, because today the LORD has delivered Israel.”

14 Then Samuel told the people, “Come, let’s go to Gilgal and reaffirm the kingship there.” 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.
1 Samuel 11:1-15

Also 1 Samuel 22:11-18 — Saul killed God’s Prophets.

Saul had his Kingdom taken away because he disobeyed God, not a man of faith because of what he did.

But here because of what he did killing God’s faithful servants the Prophets of God. Hebrews 11:37 They were put to death by the sword; on Saul’s orders. 85 priests and their women and children, orders carried out by Doeg the Edomite.

More Information:

Saul had no heart towards God.

King Saul – The man who lost his crown.
Fine personal appearance.
Head and shoulders higher than his kin.
(Early years) Humility and Self-control.

Later years) Self-willed.
Disobedient to God.
Jealousy and hatred.
Superstitious.
Fell on his own sword because fear of being captured as a war prisoner.


Other slides in this module: