Meaning
A Hebrew male personal name meaning “asked for” or “asked,” and a name borne by more than one biblical person.
Biblical Usage
Saul was the son of Kish of the tribe of Benjamin and the first king of Israel. Samuel anointed him after the people asked for a king, and Saul ruled Israel during a period of conflict with the Philistines and other enemies.
Scripture also records other people named Saul, including Saul the king of Edom and Saul of the tribe of Simeon. The New Testament later uses Saul as the Hebrew name of the apostle Paul.
Key References
- Genesis 36:37 — Saul is named as an early king of Edom.
- Genesis 46:10 — Saul is listed among the sons of Simeon.
- 1 Samuel 9:2 — Saul son of Kish is introduced.
- 1 Samuel 10:1 — Samuel anoints Saul.
- 1 Samuel 13:1 — Saul’s reign is introduced.
- 1 Samuel 15:22 — Samuel rebukes Saul concerning obedience.
- 1 Samuel 16:14 — The Spirit of the LORD departs from Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:7 — Saul’s jealousy of David develops.
- 1 Samuel 24:6 — David refuses to harm Saul.
- 1 Samuel 31:6 — Saul dies with his three sons and his armourbearer.
- Acts 7:58 — Saul is introduced in the New Testament.
- Acts 9:4 — Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus.
- Acts 13:21 — Saul is identified as the king requested by Israel.
Related Terms
- Samuel
- Jonathan
- David
- Kish
- Benjamin