Saul’s Kingdom
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Following the faithful leadership of Samuel, Israel rejected God as their reigning king and demanded an earthly king Exodus 15:18. God chose Saul from the town of Gibeah and the tribe of Benjamin to be the first king of Israel 1 Samuel 10:1-13. He was first anointed privately by Samuel under God’s direction and then discovered by the entire nation through casting lots. His 42-year rule lasted from 1052–1010 B.C. 1 Samuel 10:17-27.
Saul’s reign began with the military prioritizing pushing back some of Israel’s enemies. Under his rule, Israel initially resisted the aggression of neighboring peoples such as the Ammonites, Moabites, and Philistines, which helped unite the people under this new monarchy.
However, Saul’s reign was marked by disobedience to God’s commands. He made unauthorized sacrifices, spared the Amalekite king and some of the spoils of war, and sought the help of a medium to communicate with the spirit of the deceased Samuel. As a result of his disobedience, God rejected Saul as king and chose David, a young shepherd, and musician, to be his successor. As David served in Saul’s court, Saul became increasingly jealous of him and his popularity. Eventually, Saul was distraught and sought to kill David, leading to a long period of conflict between the two 1 Samuel 18:5-11.
Saul was unable to protect his kingdom due to his spiritual fallenness. The neighboring Philistines attacked from the north near the valley of Jezreel and successfully routed the Israelites led by Saul. Being wounded by an arrow, Saul asked his armor-bearer to kill him with the sword, but he refused, only to have Saul fall on his sword ending his life 1 Samuel 31:1-10. Saul’s kingship was marked by his spiritual decline, fear, and utter hopelessness, and ended with his tragic death.
The reign of Saul is seen as a period of transition in Israel’s history, marking the end of the period of the judges and the beginning of the monarchy. It is remembered as a time of both triumph and tragedy, with Saul’s successes and failures serving as a cautionary tale for future kings of Israel.
