Describe the complicated character of Saul. How are we to understand the Deuteronomistic Historian's depiction of him? How can we explain his acceptance and then rejection by God?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Students should highlight the military qualities of Saul at the beginning of the narrative and then work toward his disobedience of divine commands through Samuel, his tendency to make (and then not keep) rash vows, and his tendency to try to please the people rather than serve as a strong leader. Students may reference the Deuteronomistic Historian's aim of showing why he was ultimately rejected in favor of David for why these flaws are highlighted, and they may reference his suitability for a stubborn people as a reason he was initially appointed to be king (or perhaps a known historical fact that the Deuteronomistic Historian must grapple with to account for Saul's initial kingship before being superseded by the Davidic dynasty).

Describe the Complicated Character of Saul