SUMMARY
SaulThe first king of Israel. More is introduced as the giant son of a wealthy, mighty man.
ANALYSIS
Saul is introduced as a sort of “Israelite GoliathThe Philistine giant from Gath, slain by a stone from David's sling. More.” He is huge, and the text will remind the reader that he is taller than any of the other people, and exceedingly good-looking. The selection of this first, giant, impressive king must necessarily shape how we understand the introduction of DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. More, the young shepherd boy with beautiful eyes (1 SamuelThe judge who anointed the first two kings of Israel. More 16). Saul and David will be a study in contrasts in several ways. Here, it is best to understand that Saul looks like the kind of king he will be: a warrior.
