Carl S. Ehrlich

God’s First King

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“After all the biographies of King David published during the last few years, it is refreshing to find one devoted to his predecessor and rival, King Saul. The appropriately named Shaul Bar presents us with a careful literary and historical reading of the Saul traditions, drawing not only on the biblical text, but also on the post-biblical, midrashic literature, conveying a well-rounded portrait of Israel's tragic first king and his place in history and tradition. Bar's book is both grounded in up-to-date scholarship and accessible to the general reader. He is to be thanked.”