In the Old Testament, the first king of
Israel. He was anointed by Samuel and warred
successfully against the neighbouring
Ammonites and Philistines, but fell from
God's favour in his battle against the
Amalekites. He became jealous and suspicious
of David and turned against him and Samuel.
After being wounded in battle with the
Philistines, in which his three sons died, he
committed suicide.