שאול

Shaul is an ancient and honored Hebrew name carrying the profound meaning of 'asked for' or 'requested.' The name derives from the Hebrew root Sh.A.L, expressing request, inquiry, or prayer. In the biblical context, the name symbolizes a child who was prayed for, a child asked from God and answered through His grace. The dual meaning of the name - both as the verb 'to ask' and as the adjective 'asked for' - grants it great depth and expresses the special connection between man and his Creator, between prayer and its fulfillment. The most central and prominent figure bearing this name is Shaul son of Kish, the first king of united Israel. Shaul was chosen for kingship under dramatic and moving circumstances, when the people requested a king to rule over them like other nations. Samuel the prophet anointed him in secret, and he was later publicly proclaimed as king. Shaul was described as taller than all the people, handsome in appearance, and possessing an impressive royal presence. His reign was characterized by numerous wars against Israel's enemies, especially the Philistines, and he succeeded in uniting the tribes under one leadership. However, his life story is also a tragic tale of rise and fall, of greatness and defeat, teaching about the heavy responsibility placed upon a leader and the severe price of disobedience. The name Shaul carries significant historical and national dimensions. It represents the beginning of monarchy in Israel, the transition from the period of judges to an organized state system. The figure of King Shaul evokes mixed emotions - admiration for courage and leadership on one hand, and empathy for his personal tragedy on the other. His complex relationship with David, his successor, constitutes one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible. David's lament over the death of Shaul and Jonathan - 'The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places' - is considered one of the most beautiful and touching poetic works in ancient Hebrew literature. This name, therefore, connects between deep personal meaning of prayer and response to a collective memory of a formative period in the history of the people of Israel. Bearers of this name enjoy a rich and meaningful heritage that accompanies them throughout their lives.

שָׁאוּל

Shaul | Saul

Boy

No

1 Samuel 15:1 - Then Samuel said to Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel

In Kabbalah, the name Shaul symbolizes the power of request and prayer rising from the depths of the heart. It represents the direct connection between the soul and its Creator, the spiritual yearning for elevation, and the power of will directed upward. The gematria value of Shaul (337) hints at a connection between human will and divine grace, and the ability to transform request into reality through deep faith.

337

4

Saul Tchernichovsky - poet and translator | Shaul Mofaz - former IDF Chief of Staff and minister | Shaul Amsterdamski - singer and cantor | Saul Lieberman - Talmudic scholar | Saul Bellow - Nobel Prize-winning author

שמואל | שלמה | שמעון | שמריהו

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