Saul to Solomon
Old Testament Division—Fourth Period
LEADING PERSONS
Samuel.—The connecting link between the times of the Judges and of the kings (1 Sam. 1-8).
Saul.—First king, who made a good beginning (1 Sam. 10:1-27). He united the people, breaking down factions. Spurned Samuel's advice (1 Sam. 15:1-35). He became jealous of David, and angered at his own son, Jonathan (1 Sam. 18:8 to 19:11). Rejected by God as king (1 Sam. 15). Killed in battle at Gilboa (1 Sam. 31:1-13).
David.—A shepherd boy, noted for bravery (1 Sam. 16-31). Chosen king and ruled over Judah seven years (2 Sam. 2). Then became king over all Israel, and greatly enlarged the nation's borders. Made Jerusalem the capital (2 Sam. 5:6-9). A great religious leader and composer of Psalms. Sinned against Uriah (2 Sam. 11:1 to 12:14). His son Absalom rebelled (2 Sam. 15 to 18).
Solomon.—Son of David. Began his reign with a wise choice (1 Kings 3). Built the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5). Sinned in his marriages (1 Kings 11). He was noted for his great wisdom and riches. He lived in luxury, the people were heavily taxed, and the outward prosperity was accompanied by inward spiritual decay. See Samuel's warning in 1 Samuel 8:1-18.
Other Persons.—Goliath, the Philistine giant, whom David slew.—Jonathan, Saul's son, a great friend of David.
PLACES.—Mizpeh, Socoh, Gilboa, Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.—David's reign as king brought the people to the place of their greatest national success, and David's reign and that of Solomon were politically the best in all Israel's history. David was signally honored in becoming an ancestor of Mary, the mother of Jesus.