King Saul: Israel's First King

King Saul was Israel’s First King:

"Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, 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 when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. - 1 Samuel 9:15-17

The Lord had always intended to give Israel a king (Deut 17), but Israel's sin was in demanding a king from the wrong motives, in looking for that king in the wrong tribe, and in demanding a king before it was God's time to give

A man named Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin was chosen, a man of impressive stature, who embodied the basic ideals Israel had at the time, being much more concerned with his appearance than his heart. It's sad how Saul's character turned out to be a reflection of Israel as a whole. Saul was a weak and ineffective king who didn't do much with his life except try to murder David, his son-in-law, despite David's repeated expression of loyalty, because he knew David was destined to take his place one day on the throne. Saul's hatred and insane jealousy for David made him fail as a king and Samuel regretted anointing him. Saul's reign ended in disaster. He received no answer for his prayers, and even sought the help of a witch. The battle that took place the next day at Gilboa was a bitter defeat for Israel, Saul himself was wounded, and he committed suicide by throwing himself on his own sword. Three of his sons, including Jonathan also died. The greatest failure for Saul, the first king of Israel, was when he disobeyed God at Gilgal. The Philistines were encamped against Israel and Saul's troops were deserting daily. The