According to 1 Samuel, Saul was Israel’s first king.
Saul was from the Tribe of Benjamin and was the son of Kish. The prophet and judge Samuel anointed him after the Israelites asked for a king to lead them, and Saul was later publicly selected at Mizpah. His reign marked Israel’s transition from leadership by judges to a hereditary-style monarchy.
The biblical account describes Saul as initially successful in warfare, including victories over the Ammonites and Philistines. It also portrays growing conflict between Saul and Samuel after Saul disobeyed divine instructions. Samuel subsequently anointed David, although Saul remained king for a time.
Saul died during a battle with the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. David succeeded him as king of Judah and later became king over all Israel. Saul is therefore distinct from David, Israel’s second king, and Solomon, David’s son and successor.