The First Three Kings of Israel in the Bible

The establishment of monarchy and the reign of the initial Israeli kings are chronicled in the biblical books of Samuel and Kings. Saul, the first king, was appointed in response to the people's deviation from God's will. Despite the commendable rule of his successor, David, the subsequent transgressions of David's son led to the fragmentation of Israel.

The desire for a king among the Israelites is elucidated in Chapter 8 of the First Book of Samuel (1 Sam. 8:1-6 New International Version). Samuel, a revered judge and spiritual leader of Israel, had successfully guided his people for an extended period (1 Sam.

7; Hindson & Yates, 2012, p. 164). As Samuel aged, he appointed his sons to succeed him (1 Sam. 8: 1-2). Regrettably, his sons succumbed to corruption (1 Sam. 8:3), prompting the elders of Israel to approach Samuel, expressing their desire for a king, citing the example of other nations (1 Sam. 8:4-5).

In response to Samuel's prayer, God conveyed that the root issue was the people's disobedience and rejection of Him (1 Sam.

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8:7-9). Despite Samuel's attempts to dissuade the people by highlighting the potential pitfalls of having a king (1 Sam.

8:11-18), they remained adamant in their request (1 Sam. 8:19-20). Consequently, Samuel faced the necessity of selecting a king.

The Causes Behind Saul’s Ascension and Downfall

The ascendancy of Saul to the throne of Israel was fueled by the people's clamor, but his reign proved to be marred by inadequacies, leading to his eventual rejection by God. Saul's anointment transpired after a divine revelation to Samuel, predicting the arrival of a man chosen as the future king (1 Sam. 9:15-16).

When Saul emerged, the Lord directed Samuel to choose him as king (1 Sam. 9:17). Nevertheless, scholars like Hindson and Yates (2012) posit that the events surrounding Saul's selection underscored that he was more the people's choice than God's (p. 164). Reiss (2004) speculates about subconscious elements in Samuel's mind influencing Saul's appointment (p. 37).

However, the enigma of Saul's selection may have been resolved earlier in Chapter 8, where God informed Samuel that the people had rejected Him, and appointing a new king would not rectify the situation (1 Sam. 8:7-9). Arguably, neither a king nor specifically Saul should have been appointed.

Unsurprisingly, Saul's rule led to a swift deterioration of his kingdom. He assumed priestly functions without authorization, sought revenge against the Philistines, neglected his people's needs, and disobeyed God (Hindson & Yates, 2012, p. 164-165). Consequently, God rejected Saul as king (1 Sam. 15:23-26).

David's Superiority as a King

Following Saul's dismissal, God chose David to be anointed as the next king of Israel (1 Sam. 16:12-13). David's notable accomplishments, courage, and humility set him apart as a superior ruler compared to Saul. Hindson and Yates (2012) highlight David's paramount feat—slaying Goliath (p. 166).

Saul's jealousy of David led to relentless attempts on David's life in battles. Despite Saul's efforts, David emerged victorious, prompting direct attempts on his life and necessitating God's protection (Hindson & Yates, 2012, p. 166-167). Ben-Noun (2003) even suggests Saul may have had a mental disorder, an unsuitable condition for a king (p. 278-279).

Despite Saul's murderous endeavors, David remained humble and refrained from killing Saul when given the chance, asserting he wouldn't harm a king anointed by God (1 Sam. 24:9-15). This act elicited remorse in Saul, acknowledging David's destined superiority (1 Sam. 24:16-20). Saul himself conceded to David's elevated status.

The Transgression of Solomon Leading to the Division of Israel

As David aged, he designated Solomon as his successor to the throne of Israel (1 Kings 1:30). Despite Solomon's initial glory and the prosperity of the united kingdom under his rule, a pivotal sin he committed became the catalyst for the kingdom's division (Hindson & Yates, 2012, p. 178). Solomon's transgression centered on lust; the king "loved many foreign women," contrary to God's prohibition for Israelites to marry them (1 Kings 11:1-2).

Engaging in relationships with one thousand wives led Solomon astray, diverting his heart from the Lord. He began worshiping the gods of each of his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:4-8). This displeased God, who, in response, vowed to divide the kingdom. However, for the sake of David, the division would occur during Solomon's son's reign, not while Solomon lived (1 Kings 11:11-13). When Rehoboam assumed the throne, the kingdom's division unfolded due to an Egyptian invasion and other hostilities the kingdom became entangled in

As explored, Saul's ascent to power was a consequence of the Israelites' disobedience to God, and unsurprisingly, his reign proved to be a challenging period for the people of Israel. In stark contrast, David's leadership was characterized by humility and justice, earning and retaining God's favor. David's virtuous actions played a crucial role in safeguarding the kingdom, enduring even through the reign of his son Solomon, despite the latter's transgressions. However, it remains evident that disobedience to God's will inevitably carries consequences, as demonstrated by the eventual repercussions of Solomon's sins following his demise.

The intricate tapestry of Israel's monarchy, woven through the books of Samuel and Kings, unveils a narrative of divine appointments, human desires, and the consequences of both obedience and transgression. Saul's reign, born out of the people's divergence from God's will, became a tumultuous chapter for the Israelites. In contrast, David's virtuous rule, marked by humility and justice, stood as a testament to the enduring favor of God. Even Solomon's initial glory could not shield the kingdom from the divisive impact of his transgressions. The intricate interplay of human choices and divine providence unfolds as a profound lesson in the complex dynamics of leadership and obedience.