passive participle of שָׁאַל; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites; Saul, Shaul.
Transliteration:Shâʼûwl
Pronunciation:shaw-ool'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7586 (שָׁאוּל, Shâʼûwl) is a passive participle derived from the verbal root H7592 (שָׁאַל, sha'al). The root sha'al carries the primary meanings of "to ask," "to inquire," "to request," "to demand," or "to borrow." As a passive participle, Shâʼûwl therefore literally means "asked," "requested," or "borrowed." This core semantic range suggests something that has been sought after or obtained through a petition. The name's inherent meaning often subtly informs the biblical narratives of the individuals who bear it, particularly the most prominent figure, King Saul of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Shâʼûwl (transliterated as Saul or Shaul) appears in the Old Testament referring to three distinct individuals:
1. **Saul, the First King of Israel:** This is by far the most significant and frequently occurring instance of the name. His story is extensively detailed in the book of 1 Samuel. While the text does not explicitly state that his birth was "asked for" in the same way Hannah "asked" for Samuel, his rise to kingship is a direct response to Israel's demand for a king to be "like all the nations" ([[1 Samuel 8:5-7]]). God, though displeased with their rejection of His direct rule, granted their request ([[1 Samuel 8:7]], [[1 Samuel 8:22]]). Saul's reign begins with promise and divine anointing, but is tragically marked by disobedience, pride, and a gradual departure from God's commands, ultimately leading to his rejection as king and his death on Mount Gilboa ([[1 Samuel 13:13-14]], [[1 Samuel 15:22-23]], [[1 Samuel 31:1-6]]). The name "asked" thus gains a poignant layer of meaning in his narrative, representing a request that, while granted, did not lead to sustained blessing due to human failure.
2. **Shaul, an Edomite King:** This individual is mentioned briefly in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles. He is listed as one of the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites ([[Genesis 36:37-38]], [[1 Chronicles 1:48-49]]). The context here is purely genealogical, providing no further narrative or theological insight into the meaning of his name.
3. **Shaul, a Son of Simeon:** This Shaul is noted in several tribal genealogies as a son of Simeon by a Canaanite woman ([[Genesis 46:10]], [[Exodus 6:15]], [[Numbers 26:13]], [[1 Chronicles 4:24]]). Like the Edomite king, his mention is primarily for genealogical record-keeping, without further narrative development that would illuminate the significance of his name's meaning.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H7586 is enriched by understanding its connection to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Root H7592 (שָׁאַל, sha'al):** This is the foundational verbal root. Its broad semantic range includes asking for information ([[Judges 6:29]]), asking for divine guidance ([[1 Samuel 10:22]]), asking for a gift or favor ([[1 Kings 3:5]]), and even demanding or borrowing ([[Exodus 12:35-36]]). The active nature of "asking" in the root contrasts with the passive "asked" in the name Shâʼûwl, highlighting the outcome of a request.
* **H7597 (שְׁאֵלָה, shᵉʼêlâh):** A feminine noun derived from the same root, meaning "request," "petition," or "desire." This noun frequently appears in contexts of prayer and supplication, such as Hannah's "request" for a child, which God granted ([[1 Samuel 1:17]], [[1 Samuel 1:27]]). The close linguistic and conceptual link to Hannah's story, which immediately precedes Saul's narrative in 1 Samuel, underscores the theme of divine response to human petition.
* **Kingship in Israel:** The advent of the monarchy in Israel, inaugurated by Saul, is a pivotal moment in biblical history. The name Shâʼûwl subtly underscores the human initiative behind this institution, as Israel "asked" for a king. This leads to theological reflection on the nature of human desire versus divine ideal.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will:** The narrative of King Saul is a profound case study in the interplay between God's sovereign plan and human choices. God permitted Israel's request for a king, even though it was not His initial, perfect will for them. Saul's subsequent failures illustrate the consequences of human disobedience, even when operating within a divinely sanctioned framework.
### Theological Significance
The name Shâʼûwl (Saul), meaning "asked" or "requested," carries significant theological weight, particularly concerning the first king of Israel:
* **Divine Accommodation and Human Desire:** Saul's kingship exemplifies God's willingness to accommodate human desires, even when those desires are imperfect or stem from a lack of faith. Israel "asked" for a king to be like other nations, rejecting God's direct rule ([[1 Samuel 8:7]]). God, in His condescension and long-suffering, granted their request, providing a king "after their own heart" ([[1 Samuel 8:18-22]], cf. [[Acts 13:21]]). This highlights God's patience and His ability to work through human choices, even those that are less than ideal.
* **The Perils of Disobedience and Pride:** While Saul's anointing was divinely initiated, his reign became a tragic lesson in the dangers of disobedience and human pride. Despite being "asked for" and divinely chosen, Saul failed to obey God's commands fully ([[1 Samuel 13:8-14]], [[1 Samuel 15:1-23]]), leading to his rejection and eventual downfall. His story serves as a stark warning that divine favor does not negate the necessity of faithful obedience.
* **Setting the Stage for the Davidic Covenant:** Saul's failure, though tragic, was ultimately part of God's larger redemptive plan. His rejection paved the way for David, a king "after God's own heart" ([[1 Samuel 13:14]]), through whom the covenant of an eternal dynasty and the promise of the Messiah would be established. Thus, the "asked one" serves as a necessary, albeit flawed, precursor to the truly chosen and righteous King.
* **Symbolic Contrast with Paul:** While not directly related to the Hebrew H7586, it is noteworthy that the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul, adopted the Roman name Paul (meaning "small" or "humble") after his conversion. This change is often seen as symbolic of his transformation from a proud persecutor (Saul, the "asked" king who failed) to a humble servant of Christ, emphasizing a shift from human strength and self-reliance to divine grace.
### Summary
H7586 (שָׁאוּל, Shâʼûwl) is a Hebrew passive participle meaning "asked" or "requested," derived from the root H7592 (שָׁאַל, sha'al). While borne by an Edomite king and a son of Simeon in genealogical contexts, its most profound significance lies with Saul, the first king of Israel. His name encapsulates the nation's request for a monarch and God's accommodation of that desire. King Saul's narrative serves as a powerful theological exposition on the interplay of divine sovereignty and human will, illustrating that even a divinely granted request can lead to tragic consequences when coupled with disobedience and pride. Ultimately, Saul's story, imbued with the meaning of his name, foreshadows the need for a truly righteous king and sets the stage for the establishment of the Davidic covenant and the coming of the Messiah.
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