Introduction:
Gibeah of Saul, often simply referred to as Gibeah, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the history of Israel during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy. It is most notably associated with King Saul, Israel's first king, and serves as a backdrop for several key events in the Old Testament.

Geographical Location:
Gibeah is situated in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, approximately three miles north of Jerusalem. The site is identified with the modern archaeological site of Tell el-Ful. Its strategic location on a hill made it a prominent and fortified city in ancient Israel.

Biblical Significance:
1. Tribe of Benjamin: Gibeah is first mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It was part of the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28).

2. The Outrage at Gibeah: One of the most infamous events associated with Gibeah is the account of the Levite's concubine in Judges 19-21. The narrative describes a horrific crime committed by the men of Gibeah, leading to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. This event highlights the moral and social decay during the period of the Judges, as noted in Judges 21:25, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

3. Saul's Capital: Gibeah gains prominence as the hometown and royal residence of King Saul. After being anointed by the prophet Samuel, Saul establishes his reign from Gibeah (1 Samuel 10:26). The city serves as the administrative and military center during Saul's reign, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:2, where Saul is found under a pomegranate tree in Gibeah with his troops.

4. Military Campaigns: Gibeah is a focal point in several military campaigns during Saul's reign. It is from Gibeah that Saul launches his campaign against the Philistines, as recorded in 1 Samuel 13-14. The city's strategic location made it a suitable base for military operations.

5. David and Gibeah: The relationship between Saul and David is also intertwined with Gibeah. After David's victory over Goliath, he is brought to Saul's court in Gibeah (1 Samuel 17:57). The ensuing tension and jealousy from Saul towards David unfold in the context of Gibeah, where Saul's attempts to kill David begin (1 Samuel 19:9-10).

6. Prophetic References: Gibeah is mentioned in the prophetic literature as a symbol of Israel's sin and rebellion. Hosea 9:9 and 10:9 reference the events at Gibeah as emblematic of Israel's moral failures, drawing a parallel between the past and the present state of the nation.

Archaeological Insights:
Excavations at Tell el-Ful have provided insights into the historical and cultural context of Gibeah. The site reveals evidence of fortifications and structures that align with the biblical description of a fortified city. These findings corroborate the biblical narrative of Gibeah as a significant urban center during the time of Saul.

Conclusion:
Gibeah of Saul stands as a testament to the complex history of Israel during the transition from the period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Its association with pivotal events and figures in the biblical narrative underscores its importance in understanding the spiritual and political dynamics of ancient Israel.