Analysis Of King David And King Saul

After many centuries of being under the rule of judges, the Israelites finally ask Samuel to appoint a king, making Israel like most other nations being ruled as monarchies. This request leads to the appointing of the first king of Israel, Saul, followed by centuries of kings (1 Samuel 8-9). A large majority of these kings have been deemed to be “bad” kings, leaving only a small handful to be considered “good.” In general, these kings are given such labels for their actions and policies throughout their time of power. This paper will discuss the reigns of David, Hezekiah and Josiah and what makes them considered good kings, as well as Ahab and Manasseh and the actions that deemed them to be bad kings.

As we examine the heroes of the faith outlined for us in the Old Testament, we would be hard pressed to find a more faithful man that King David. After the death of King Saul, David became the King of the Hebrew people. David, who was meek and pious, steadfastly believed in the true God and tried to do His will. He had endured much persecution from Saul and other enemies but did not become bitter, did not lift his hand against Saul, as he was the Lord’s anointed, but placed all his hope in God, and the Lord delivered him from all his enemies.

He shows he is weak and not ready to lead. (1 Samuel 9:21). Saul even hides when he is supposed to show himself to the Israelites as the chosen King (1 Samuel 11: 22). Although Saul knows that he cannot lead, he has no choice, he has to follow the Lord’s order. At last, God realizes that Saul was indeed not a leader-type person and chooses another person. God must have known that people are not forced to be leaders, but they themselves should be aware of the ability to be leaders.

The rise and fall of this desired king is one that is unique with a lot to look at and learn from. Saul was a man who won many battles on the field as he defeated the Philistines and others who came against the Jewish

Although Saul met all qualifications of what the ideal king should resemble, he lacked the most important trait, obedience to God. Saul was identical to the rest of the people of Israel and wanted to reign his way. Saul’s disobedience caused his fall, “For example, his usurpation of priestly functions while awaiting Samuel to offer the sacrifices at Gilgal before the battle with the Philistines caused God to vow that he would remove the kingdom from Saul (Hindson 165).” God rejected Saul as king because of his blatant disobedience of God’s commands, and God chose David as the forthcoming king.

In this section historical information concerning the lives of Saul and Samuel have been discussed. Such information will enlighten ones cultural and contextual study of 1 Samuel 8–15. Moreover, the reader will have more insight into the referential world of the author, thereby allowing one to discern their intended meaning.

He was described to be the most handsome man in Israel; he stood head and shoulders above the people. (1 Samuel 9:2) The story of Saul started when Saul was anointed by the Prophet Samuel while he was looking for his father’s asses. His relationship with Samuel also started from that moment. In 1Samuel 13: 11 we see that Samuel was not pleased when Saul offered the burnt offering; Then he was angry with Saul when Saul did not follow the instructions given (1Samuel 15:11).

Judaism is one of the oldest religions that is still practiced today. The first Jewish bibles were recorded around 1000 B.C.E. Judaism was the first monotheistic religion in the world. They believe in one God and that they are his “Chosen People”. The kingdom of Israel was also established by 1000 B.C.E. The Kingdom of Israel had three kings who were very important to both the kingdom and the Jewish religion.

Saul was the son of Kish. He came from a very well known family and was characterized as very tall, and handsome in his appearance. The scripture states that “there was not a man among the sons of Israel more handsome than he, being taller than any of the people from his shoulder and upward” (1 Samuel 9:2). He was the one God chose to lead the fearful nation of Israel, which consisted of tribes that did not have a

In conclusion, not only Saul was a good military leader, but he also showed the qualities that a good king had. He had the strength to win against many battles, his people looked up to him and they saw all the good things in him and believed in him. He fulfilled their needs, when it comes to protecting the land and its people. He followed god’s command and did what he was ordered to do. Saul improved the land of Israel. He brought a lot of victories to its people. He improved the education system. And did many more. Saul symbolized what a great leader is. He had a strong personality. He was loved among his

Saul was tall, good looking and a warrior, however, as Hindson and Yates put it, “The people seemed to focus on Saul’s outward appearance (9:2) rather than his heart (16:7)” (Hindson and Yates 2012, 164). Despite his early successes as king, Saul’s arrogance and pride caused him to start disobeying God. Samuel warned Saul repeatedly about his covenant disobedience. So when he offered priestly

The nation of Israel had asked God for a king. God had allowed this and Saul was

Saul was chosen by God to unify the the 12 tribes of Israel and rule over them. Due to his obedience to God, Saul was able to bring together the tribes and successfully led the israelites. Through his faith, he was able to lead his people through numerous victories flourishing the newly united nation. After many years of ruling, Saul had begun to stray away from the path of God, which eventually led to his downfall as king. One day Saul and the prophet Samuel were set to offer up a burned offering to the lord.

King David is known as one of the greatest kings that ever lived. He started out as lowly Sheppard boy to become one of the greatest kings of biblical times. Before David became King of Israel he herded his father’s sheep with his life in the fields; and was said to have killed a lion and a bear protecting them. The Old Testament prophet Samuel anointed David to become King Israel while Saul was still the king of Israel; because Saul was the King that the people wanted and he disobeyed God. David raise to fame began with him stepping up to face the giant Philistine Goliath; when King Saul seems to be fear of the giant. Smith (1933) tell us that,

First, a difference that can find found between Saul and David is their relationship with the Holy Spirit. In 1 Samuel 16 we read that the Holy Spirit departs from Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Upon the Holy Spirit leaving Saul an evil spirit enters him. This spirit starts to torment Saul and his servants suggest finding someone to help sooth this pain. Ironically, the person they find to assist in this is David, whom God will