Shaul שָׁאוּל
King of Edom from Rehoboth on the Euphrates
Who is Shaul in the Bible?
Shaul was a king of Edom mentioned in Genesis 36:37-38 and 1 Chronicles 1:48-49 who ruled the neighboring nation southeast of Israel. He came from Rehoboth on the Euphrates, a location that suggests possible Mesopotamian connections and distinguishes him from other Edomite rulers. Shaul reigned after King Samlah and was succeeded by Baal-hanan, son of Achbor, though the biblical text provides no details about the length or accomplishments of his reign. His inclusion in the genealogies of Edomite kings documents the succession of rulers in Edom and illustrates the broader political landscape of nations surrounding ancient Israel during this period.
Biography
Shaul, mentioned in Gen.36.37-38 and 1Ch.1.48-49, was one of the kings of Edom, a neighboring nation to Israel. He is described as being from Rehoboth on the Euphrates, which suggests that he may have had ties to the region of Mesopotamia. Shaul reigned as king after the death of Samlah and was succeeded by Baal-hanan, the son of Achbor. The text does not provide any details about the length of Shaul's reign or his specific achievements as king. The mention of Shaul in the lists of Edomite kings highlights the succession of rulers in Edom and provides a historical context for the relationship between Edom and Israel. The fact that Shaul is identified by his place of origin, Rehoboth on the Euphrates, sets him apart from the other Edomite kings and may indicate the extent of Edom's political or commercial connections during his reign.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 2 verses
- Genesis 36:37
"When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:38
"When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 1:48
"When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the Euphrates reigned in his place."
- 1 Chronicles 1:49
"When Shaul died, Baal-hanan son of Achbor reigned in his place."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שָׁאוּל | Shaul , the name of an Edomite and two Israelites |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | שָׁאוּל | Shaul , the name of an Edomite and two Israelites |