The companions of Saul, the first king of Israel, played significant roles in the narrative of his reign as depicted in the Old Testament. Saul, anointed by the prophet Samuel, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites against their enemies. His companions included family members, military leaders, and close associates who influenced his kingship and personal life.

Jonathan

Jonathan, the eldest son of Saul, is one of the most prominent figures among Saul's companions. Known for his bravery and deep faith in God, Jonathan is celebrated for his close friendship with David, the future king of Israel. Despite his father's growing animosity towards David, Jonathan remained loyal to David, recognizing God's anointing on him. In 1 Samuel 18:1, it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself" . Jonathan's loyalty to both his father and David highlights his integrity and commitment to God's will.

Abner

Abner, the son of Ner, was Saul's cousin and the commander of his army. As a skilled military leader, Abner played a crucial role in Saul's campaigns against the Philistines and other adversaries. His loyalty to Saul was evident throughout Saul's reign, and he continued to support the house of Saul even after the king's death. In 1 Samuel 14:50, Abner is mentioned as "the commander of his army" , indicating his significant position in Saul's administration. Abner's later interactions with David, after Saul's death, demonstrate his pragmatic approach to leadership and his desire to maintain stability in Israel.

Doeg the Edomite

Doeg the Edomite, one of Saul's servants, is a controversial figure among Saul's companions. He is most infamously known for his role in the massacre of the priests at Nob. In 1 Samuel 22:18-19, Doeg, at Saul's command, "struck down the priests, killing on that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod" . His actions, driven by loyalty to Saul, reveal the darker aspects of Saul's reign, marked by paranoia and rash decisions. Doeg's willingness to carry out Saul's orders, even to the point of committing atrocities, underscores the moral complexities within Saul's circle.

Michal

Michal, Saul's daughter and David's first wife, is another significant companion in Saul's narrative. Her marriage to David was initially a political alliance, but it became a source of tension as Saul's jealousy towards David grew. In 1 Samuel 18:20, it is noted, "Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him" . Michal's love for David and her subsequent actions to protect him from Saul's wrath illustrate the personal conflicts within Saul's family and the broader implications of Saul's deteriorating relationship with David.

Ahimelech

Ahimelech, the priest of Nob, is a more peripheral figure among Saul's companions but plays a critical role in the narrative of Saul's reign. When David fled from Saul, he sought refuge with Ahimelech, who provided him with bread and the sword of Goliath. Saul, perceiving this as an act of treason, ordered the massacre of the priests at Nob, carried out by Doeg. In 1 Samuel 22:14, Ahimelech defends David, saying, "Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and highly respected in your house?" . Ahimelech's interaction with David and Saul highlights the tragic consequences of Saul's increasing paranoia and the collateral damage it caused among his companions.

The companions of Saul, each with their unique roles and relationships, provide a multifaceted view of Saul's reign. Their accounts reflect the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of deviating from God's guidance.