Overview
Saul of Edom was a king who ruled over the Edomites during the patriarchal period, before the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. He is recorded in the genealogies of Edom and represents the early political structures of nations surrounding Israel. His reign demonstrates that organized kingdoms existed in the ancient Near East during the time of Israel's ancestors.
Key Scriptures
"Jobab son of Bera reigned in Edom. When Jobab died, Saul of Rehoboth on the River succeeded him as king." (1 Chronicles 1:48, NIV) "When Saul died, Baal-Hanan son of Akbor succeeded him as king." (1 Chronicles 1:49, NIV) These same genealogical records appear in Genesis 36:37-38, establishing Saul's place in Edom's royal succession.
Application
Study of ancient Near Eastern genealogies reminds us that God's providential hand orchestrated all nations and their rulers according to His sovereign plan, preparing the world for Christ's coming.