The Tanakh does not present a birth story, yet Shaul has two different death stories. The united Book of Shmuel, the two stories of Shaul’s death appear one right after the other. Why do we have this elaborate retelling, and why is there such a focus on Shaul’s death? How are we to account for the diverging narratives? The key to understanding these stories is that more than explaining how he dies—they hint at why he dies: Israelite monarchy is meant to develop a correct relationship with God and with the people, and also to uproot Amalekite values. Shaul fails at both of these two goals.

Yemei Iyun be-Tanakh - תשע"ה