The term "Saulites" refers to the descendants or followers of Saul, the first king of Israel, who reigned during the late 11th century BC. Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was anointed by the prophet Samuel as the first monarch to rule over the united tribes of Israel. His reign is detailed in the biblical books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.

Genealogy and Tribal Affiliation

Saul was a Benjamite, and his lineage is outlined in 1 Samuel 9:1-2: "Now there was a man of Benjamin named Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a man of standing. And he had a son named Saul, a choice and handsome young man. Among the Israelites there was no one more handsome than he; he stood a head taller than any of the people" . The Saulites, therefore, are primarily associated with the tribe of Benjamin.

Historical Context and Role

Saul's kingship marked a significant transition in Israelite history from a loose confederation of tribes led by judges to a centralized monarchy. His reign began with promise, as he led Israel to military victories against their enemies, including the Ammonites and Philistines. However, Saul's disobedience to God's commands, as conveyed by the prophet Samuel, led to his rejection by God as king. This is notably illustrated in 1 Samuel 15:22-23, where Samuel declares, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" .

Conflict with David

The latter part of Saul's reign is marked by his tumultuous relationship with David, who was anointed by Samuel to be his successor. Saul's jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and God's favor led to a prolonged pursuit to kill David, as recounted in 1 Samuel 18-31. Despite Saul's efforts, David consistently showed respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed, refusing to harm him even when given the opportunity.

Legacy and Descendants

Saul's death in battle against the Philistines, along with his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, is recorded in 1 Samuel 31. His surviving son, Ish-bosheth, briefly reigned over Israel, but his rule was weak and ultimately ended with his assassination, paving the way for David to become king over all Israel.

The Saulites, as descendants of Saul, are often viewed through the lens of Saul's tragic downfall and the subsequent rise of David. Saul's legacy is complex, characterized by his initial promise and ultimate failure to fully obey God's commands. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience and humility before God.Saulites (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:13
of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites; of Saul, the family of the Saulites.
(DBY)

Saulites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Saulites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the family
of the Zarhites; of Saul, the family of the Saulites. (DBY). ...
/s/saulites.htm - 6k

Saul's (79 Occurrences)

/s/saul's.htm - 31k

Saul (371 Occurrences)
... families of Simeon. (DBY). Numbers 26:13 of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites;
of Saul, the family of the Saulites. (DBY). 1 Samuel ...
/s/saul.htm - 76k

Haman (46 Occurrences)
... Saul's posterity are in no case termed Saulites, but Benjamites or Israelites. But
the basis of this theory has been swept away by recent discovery. ...
/h/haman.htm - 25k

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