Saul and David are forever linked in the study of biblical history. Saul came from the lowest tribe of Israel. Saul, a Benjamite, is recognized as the first King of a united Israel. David, the youngest son of Jesse, was anointed by God to become the future king of Israel. Both, Saul and David, chose different paths on the road to kingship. Once they receive their power, the decisions they make reflect the person they have become. It is quite apparent that God chooses to favor King David over his predecessor King Saul. David is God's favorite mainly in part due to David's piety and his undeniable devotion to the Lord.
             Saul receives God's blessing when it becomes apparent that the people of Israel will not rescind their demand for a king to rule over them. Saul, as a king, takes matters into his own hands. He exudes arrogance and selfishness during his reign. God put him in charge of the Israelites so that the nation could become stronger. Unfortunately, Saul turns his back on God. Unlike the future leader David, Saul concerns himself with personal gain. King Saul fails to heed God's orders because his priorities are not in accord with what God demands. For instance, God orders Saul to destroy all of the Malekites. Saul, however, fails to have the king killed and he decides to keep the best cattle. This shows Saul's respect for kingship and his selfishness. He is not obedient to God. Instead, he is more concerned with his own wants and needs.
             David, the successor to Saul's throne, handles his kingship in a much different manner than Saul does. Due to the lack of continuity with Saul's reign, God decided to more carefully select the next chosen one. God chose David, whose piety contrasted with Saul's smugness. David stressed a profound reliance on the Hebrew God. David was a pious man almost to a fault. Unlike his predecessor, King David did what was best for God, not his
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