Saul was the first king of the united Kingdom of Israel.
In the biblical Books of Samuel, Saul was chosen from the tribe of Benjamin and anointed by the prophet Samuel. His rise marked the transition from Israel’s loose confederation of tribes, traditionally led by judges, to a centralized monarchy. Saul’s first royal base was associated with Gibeah.
Saul won important victories against enemies including the Ammonites and Philistines, but the narrative later portrays him as disobedient to Samuel’s instructions. His deteriorating relationship with Samuel and growing rivalry with David are central themes of his story. Saul and several of his sons died in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa.
David succeeded Saul as king after a period of conflict, but David was not the first monarch. Solomon came later as David’s son. Jeroboam belongs to the period after Solomon, when the united kingdom divided into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.