### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shâʼûwl**, represented by `{{H7586}}`, is defined as "asked," a passive participle of the verb **shâʼal** `{{H7592}}`, which means to ask or inquire. It appears **406 times** across **335 unique verses** and is the name of an Edomite and two Israelites, most notably Saul, the first king of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7586}}` is central to the story of Israel's transition to a monarchy. Saul is anointed king `{{H4428}}` over Israel `{{H3478}}` by Samuel `{{H8050}}` at the LORD's `{{H3068}}` command [[1 Samuel 15:1]]. However, his reign is marked by disobedience, leading to the LORD `{{H3068}}` rejecting `{{H3988}}` him [[1 Samuel 16:1]]. A significant portion of the narrative describes his turbulent relationship with David `{{H1732}}`, whom Saul `{{H7586}}` sought `{{H1245}}` to kill [[1 Samuel 23:14]], causing David to flee `{{H1272}}` [[Psalms 57:1]]. Ultimately, Saul `{{H7586}}` died `{{H4191}}` for his transgression `{{H4604}}` against the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[1 Chronicles 10:13]]. The name also appears in Genesis, identifying **Shaul** `{{H7586}}` as the son `{{H1121}}` of a Canaanitish woman [[Genesis 46:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of Saul's life and name:
* `{{H7592}}` **shâʼal** (to ask, inquire, request): This is the root of **Shâʼûwl**. It reflects a key element of his story, as he enquired `{{H7592}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`, but received no answer `{{H6030}}` [[1 Samuel 28:6]], and ultimately asked `{{H7592}}` for counsel from one with a familiar spirit `{{H178}}` [[1 Chronicles 10:13]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign, be king): This word defines Saul's role. His story is a cautionary tale about reigning `{{H4427}}` without full obedience to God, which led to the LORD `{{H3068}}` rejecting `{{H3988}}` him [[1 Samuel 16:1]].
* `{{H3988}}` **mâʼaç** (to spurn, reject, refuse): This term is crucial to understanding Saul's downfall. Samuel `{{H8050}}` declared to Saul `{{H7586}}`, "thou hast rejected `{{H3988}}` the word `{{H1697}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`, and the LORD `{{H3068}}` hath rejected `{{H3988}}` thee from being king `{{H4428}}`" [[1 Samuel 15:26]].
* `{{H5493}}` **çûwr** (to turn off, depart): This word signifies the spiritual consequence of Saul's actions. The narrative states that the Spirit `{{H7307}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` departed `{{H5493}}` from Saul `{{H7586}}` ([[1 Samuel 16:14]], [[1 Samuel 18:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7586}}` is demonstrated through the life of King Saul.
* **The Consequence of Disobedience:** Saul’s failure to keep `{{H8104}}` the commandment `{{H4687}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` resulted in the loss of his kingdom `{{H4467}}` [[1 Samuel 13:13]]. He confessed his sin `{{H2398}}`, saying, "I have transgressed `{{H5674}}` the commandment `{{H6310}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`... because I feared `{{H3372}}` the people `{{H5971}}`, and obeyed `{{H8085}}` their voice `{{H6963}}`" [[1 Samuel 15:24]].
* **Divine Sovereignty in Leadership:** The story of Saul underscores God's ultimate authority to appoint and remove leaders. The same LORD `{{H3068}}` who sent `{{H7971}}` Samuel `{{H8050}}` to anoint `{{H4886}}` him king `{{H4428}}` [[1 Samuel 15:1]] later declared, "I have rejected `{{H3988}}` him from reigning `{{H4427}}` over Israel `{{H3478}}`" [[1 Samuel 16:1]].
* **Spiritual Abandonment:** Saul's narrative provides a stark illustration of spiritual desertion. The Bible records that "the Spirit `{{H7307}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` departed `{{H5493}}` from Saul `{{H7586}}`, and an evil `{{H7451}}` spirit `{{H7307}}` from the LORD `{{H3068}}` troubled `{{H1204}}` him" [[1 Samuel 16:14]]. In his distress `{{H6887}}`, Saul himself lamented, "God `{{H430}}` is departed `{{H5493}}` from me, and answereth `{{H6030}}` me no more" [[1 Samuel 28:15]].
### Summary
In summary, the name **Shâʼûwl** `{{H7586}}`, meaning "asked," is inextricably linked to the tragic figure of Israel's first king. His life serves as a powerful biblical account of a leader who was chosen by God but fell due to disobedience and fear of man over God. The narrative of his reign, his pursuit of David, and his ultimate rejection by the LORD illustrates core theological principles of divine sovereignty, the necessity of obedience, and the dire consequences of spiritual abandonment.
TRV