Saul’s Victories

After taking the kingship, Saul fights enemies on every side and routs them wherever he turns. He acts valiantly and delivers Israel from those who plunder them, including the Amalekites.

A⁴⁷fter Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side — the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. ⁴⁸He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.

The narrative records Saul’s sons, daughters, wife, army commander, and family line. The royal house and military structure are set out in brief, formal terms.

⁴⁹Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). ⁵⁰His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner. ⁵¹Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.

War with the Philistines remains fierce throughout Saul’s life, and he takes any strong or brave man into his service.

⁵²And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.