King Saul�s mustering of all Israel (1 Sm 11:6�7): An idealised leadership

Abstract

1 Samuel 11:6�7 report the beginning of Saul�s public life and demonstrate his leadership over Israel. However, the verses do not clearly indicate his role in the specific events related in verses 1�11. This article clarifies Saul�s idealised kingly leadership by examining some of the literary-critical issues of 1 Samuel 11:1�11 in their broader context. Saul�s leadership was then considered against its larger ancient Near Eastern context. The article aimed to show that both Saul�s religious authority and also his political ability were welcomed in his emerging kingship.

Keywords

• Saul
• Samuel
• kingship
• divinely sanctioned leadership
• religious background
• literary-critical issues
• ancient Near Eastern context