[sawl] 
| 1. | the first king of Israel. I Sam. 9. |
| 2. | Also called Saul of Tarsus. the original name of the apostle Paul. Acts 9:1–30; 22:3. |
| 3. | a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “asked for.” |
The first king of Israel, who battled repeatedly with the Philistines. He often felt great despair, which was soothed by David playing his harp. Saul later became jealous of David and tried to have him killed in battle. After a prophesied defeat by the Philistines, Saul killed himself.
Note: Saul was also the Apostle Paul's original name.