Saul in Smiths Bible Dictionary

(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...