ABSTRACT
Saul's origins and reign have been seriously neglected and the sources are also silent about his achievements. This chapter examines the sources carefully in order to find out whether it is possible to extract any information which might then bring to light some aspects of his life. Later, his military and political achievements will also be discussed; but it would be important to first look at the tribe and the territory of Benjamin in order to gain some insight to Saul's background. The chapter suggests that Gibeon was a Benjaminite city and that it is quite likely that it played important political, economic and religious roles in the life of the Israelites. The chapter also examines the sources and brings to light the possible political and economic reasons which may have motivated Saul to campaign. One of Saul's achievements was that he was the first Israelite leader to form a standing army.
