Old Testament Notes

            Saul was the first king of Israel, his story is told in The Book of Judges. Saul did much for uniting its people, founding the state and organizing a successful struggle against the Philistines. His life, rise to power, reign and fall are described in The First Book of Samuel. Though reluctant at first to be the king, Saul, after gaining power, changed into an ambitious and jealous ruler. Thus he was very jealous of the military success of his own son, Jonathan. At first he admired and praised young David as a great hero, even married him to his daughter Michal, but then saw a rival in him and out of jealousy tried to kill him.
Saul had made the Philistines suffer serious losses, but they eventually prepared for revenge. Saul and his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malchishma, were surrounded on the Mount Gilboa. His sons fell in battle. Saul was badly wounded. In order to avoid capture he fell on his own sword and died.
See: Jean Fouquet. Report of Saul's Death to David.
Rembrandt. David Playing the Harp before Saul, David Presenting the Head of Goliath to King Saul.
Paolo Veronese. The Conversion of Saul.