(fl. 11th cent BCE)
King of Israel. He was the first king of Israel, selected by Samuel in response to the request of the people for a king. He organized an army, and undertook expeditions against the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites and Arameans. Eventually a rift developed between Saul and Samuel (I Samuel 13); Saul persecuted David after his triumph over Goliath and drove him from the country. Saul fell in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa together with three of his sons (I Samuel 8-II Samuel 3).
Dictionary of Jewish Biography. Dan Cohn-Sherbok.