Saul was chosen and anointed by the Lord to lead Israel. (1 Sam 10:1) At the beginning Saul had the Lord's blessing and was a type or foreshadow of Jesus, the coming King. As Israel's first king, he previewed some aspects of Christ even though Saul was not faithful as an Israelite or as their king. Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin which means "son of my right hand," a description of Jesus who now sits at the right hand of God. Samuel told Saul that at the village of Zelzah (Hebrew, means "shadow") he will meet two men who will tell him that his father's donkeys were found. Saul was sent on to Mount Tabor "the hill of God" and "and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel." Mount Tabor is possibly the place of Jesus' transfiguration with Peter, James and John. (Matt 17:1-9, Mark 9:1-8, Luke 9:28-36)
"Samuel anointed Saul and gave him instructions about where he should go. First he was to go to the Great Tree of Tabor. There he would meet three men on their way to Bethel. They would have with them a goat, three loaves of bread and wine. (I Sam 10:3-4) These men, who were on their way to Bethel, which means "the house of God", had with them symbols of Jesus the Messiah. The goat is the scape goat, upon which the sins of Israel were placed at the Feast of Atonement. The loaves of bread and wine represent the bread and wine at the Passover Feast which Jesus tells us are representative of His body and blood. ... Saul was thirty years old when he was chosen by the Lord to lead Israel. He reigned for forty-two years. Jesus was thirty years old (according to tradition) when He began His ministry. According to Matthew, there are forty-two generations from Adam to Jesus." (King Saul, Ronald Taylor.) Saul then proceeds to Gibeah (Hebrew, "hill") which is what Jesus did in Matthew 24 and 25 with the Olivet Discourse. Saul's death was upon a hill, "mount Gilboa," a foreview of Christ's death. (1 Sam 31:1-3; 1 Chr 10:1-3) Seven of his male offspring were put to death at the time of passover, not for their actions, but those of their father Saul. (2 Sam 21:1-9)
Saul struggled to be an effective leader after disobeying God's directive to destroy all of the Amalekites. "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. ... And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly." (1 Sam 15:3, 8-9) "And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel? And the Lord sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord? ... For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king." (1 Sam 15:17-19, 23) So Saul lost both God's favor and help, "And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel." (vs 35) "But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee." (1 Sam 16:14-15)
The Philistines were people of idolatry whom Saul fought against during his years as king. (Jud 16:23, 27-30; 1 Sam 31:8-9) Though Saul resisted idolatry he did not honor and obey God by his conduct, especially toward the anointed David. In contrast, Jesus promoted the true worship of God thoughout his earthly ministry. Both died as apparent failures, but Jesus rose from the grave and said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Saul was used by God, even through his weakness and failure, to give us a glimpse of one who would neither stumble nor fall.
Saul previews some of the circumstances of the life and death of Christ Jesus.
18 Comparisons Between Saul and Christ Jesus
compiled by Brian Kuehmichel©
Item:
Saul
Christ
Saul's background — portrays Jesus.
foretold to be leader and king
"Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people." (1 Sam 9:15-17); "And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord:Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both." (Zech 6:12-13)
"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." (Luke 24:44); "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39); "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." (John 6:45); "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph 2:8-9); "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Eph 2:19-22)
had an insignificant family
"And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?" (1 Sam 9:21)
"And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?" (John 6:42); "We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes." (John 9:29-30); "Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?" (Matt 13:35); "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him." (Mark 6:3)
some doubted his lineage
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Sam 10:12)
"But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God." (John 5:17-18); "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43); "And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?" (John 6:42); "Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." (John 8:19)
was annointed
"Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?" (1 Sam 10:1): "And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly." (1 Sam 11:6)
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him." (Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10); "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (Luke 3:22); "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together." (Acts 4:27); "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (Acts 10:38)
was head and shoulders above the people
"And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people." (1 Sam 9:2); "And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people?" (1 Sam 10:23-24 a)
This points to the excellency and perfections of Christ for He was noted to be special: "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22); "And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?" (Mark 6:2); "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. ... And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." (Luke 4:32, 36); "And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41); "And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him." (Luke 8:25); "And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel." (Matt 9:33); "And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?" (Matt 12:23); "And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? ... Whence then hath this man all these things?" (Matt 13:54, 56); "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matt 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; 2 Pet 1:17); "The officers answered, Never man spake like this man." (John 7:46); "But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together." (Matt 22:34); "... And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions." (Matt 22:41-46); "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him." (Mark 1:27); "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:12); "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." (Luke 4:36); "And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day." (Luke 5:26); "And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples." (Luke 9:43); "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6); "All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (John 16:15); "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father." (John 16:28); "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know." (Acts 2:22); "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (Acts 10:38)
Saul's status — portrays Jesus.
was a prophet
"After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee." (1 Sam 10:5-7); "And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Sam 10:9-12); "Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Sam 19:22-24)
"And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." (Matt 21:11); "And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people." (Luke 24:19); "For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country." (John 4:44); "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world." (John 6:14); "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 4:17); "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:15); "And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him." (Luke 21:38); "And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them." (John 8:2); "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he." (John 13:19); "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe." (John 14:29)
acted as priest (Saul: as false Levite; Christ: order of Melchisedec)
[Saul was disobediet to act as priest.] "And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever." (1 Sam 13:9-13)
[Jesus' purpose of coming to earth was to serve as priest to reconcile men to God. "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." (Rom 5:10); "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Cor 5:18)] "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (Heb 2:17); "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." (Heb 3:1); "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (Heb 5:10); "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Heb 6:20); "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law." (Heb 8:1-4); etc.
made king over Israel
"Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?" (1 Sam 10:1); "And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king." (1 Sam 10:23-24); "Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly." (1 Sam 11:14-15); "Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over you." (1 Sam 12:13)
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matt 2:1-2); "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Luke 22:29-30); "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36); "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (1 Pet 3:22); "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." (Rev 1:5); "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." (Rev 17:14); "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords." (Rev 19:16)
had followers
"And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched." (1 Sam 10:26); "And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand." (1 Sam 11:8)
"In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (Luke 12:1); "Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother." (Matthew 10:2); "And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught." (Mark 6:30); "And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him." (Mark 2:15); "And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people." (Luke 7:11); "And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him." (Matt 27:55); "Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem." (Mark 15:41); et cetera
was accepted by the people
"And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king." (1 Sam 10:23-24); "And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel." (1 Sam 11:12-13)
"And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him." (Mark 6:33); "And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine." (Mark 11:18); "And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them." (Luke 4:42); "And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed." (Luke 6:17-18); "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him." (Luke 8:40); "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." (John 2:23); "And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased." (John 6:2); "And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?" (John 7:31); "Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them." (John 9:16); "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord." (John 12:12-13)
Contrast (Saul: false leadership; Christ: good leadership)
Saul succumbed to delusions of self importance, false leadership of the people, and spiritual lethargy. "But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly." (1 Sam 15:9); "Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey." (1 Sam 14:29); "And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee." (1 Sam 28 6-8)
Jesus remained clear as to who he was, his mission to die for sins, and purpose of gathering his church. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18); "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30); "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." (Matt 4:23); "Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me." (John 8:49); "And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him." (Luke 19:47); "And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders." (Luke 20:1); "And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matt 26:39); et cetera.
Saul's stance against idolatrous Philistines — portrays Jesus.
powerful in battle
"And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal." (1 Sam 13:4); "So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them" (1 Sam 14:47); "And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt." (1 Sam 15:7)
Jesus conquered sin and death. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33); "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Rom 8:1-4); "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." (Rom 6:9)
assembled valiant men
"And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal." (1 Sam 13:4); "And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him." (1 Sam 14:52); "And David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king [Saul]? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord." (1 Sam 26:15)
"And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles." (Luke 6:13); "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." (Luke 10:1); "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." (John 13:13); "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Heb 2:10); ["Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." (Heb 13:13); See: The Apostles Of Jesus Christ, Notable Disciples Of Jesus Christ In The Gospels, The Named Disciples Of Jesus Christ and Notable Disciples Of Jesus Christ In The Epistles]
opposed Philistines' (idolatry), witchcraft and demon worship
[Philistine idolatry: "Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us." (Jud 16:23-24); "And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people." (1 Sam 31:9); "And when they had stripped him, they took his head, and his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry tidings unto their idols, and to the people." (1 Chr 10:9)] "So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them. ... And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him." (1 Sam 14:47, 52); "Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land." (1 Sam 28:3)
"And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. ... And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils." (Mark 1:34, 39); "And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them." (Mark 6:13); "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick." (Matt 8:16); "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you." (Matt 12:28); "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils." (Mark 16:9); "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (Acts 10:38)
Saul's death — portrays Jesus.
wounded at the hand of enemies
"Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers." (1 Sam 31:1-3; 1 Chr 10:1-3)
"And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified." (Mark 15:15); "Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. ... When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. ... But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar." (John 19:1, 6, 15); "Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." (Matt 27:26); "And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him." (Mark 15:12-14); "And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews." (Matt 27:37); "And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. ... And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! ... And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews." (John 19:3, 14, 19); "And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is The King Of The Jews." (Luke 23:38); "And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree." (Acts 10:39)
chooses when to die
[Saul died by self-murder.] "Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together." (1 Sam 31:4-6; 1 Chr 10:4-6)
[Jesus died by self-sacrifice well pleasing to God who raised him from the dead and highly exalted him. "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." (Php 2:8-10)] "But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village." (Luke 9:55-56); "As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. ... Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:15, 17-18); "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matt 20:28; Mark 10:45); "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour." (John 12:27); "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost." (Matt 27:50); "And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost." (Mark 15:37); "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." (Luke 23:46)
hung and shamed by enemies
"And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa. And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people. And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan." (1 Sam 31:8-10))
"And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! ... And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him." (Matt 27:29, 31); "And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. ... And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. ... And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days," (Mark 15:15, 20, 29); "Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. ... When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. ... But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar." (John 19:1, 6, 15); "And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him." (Luke 22:63); "And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. ... And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar. ... And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." (Luke 23:11, 36, 39); "And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree." (Acts 10:39)
greatly mourned after death
"Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. ... And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son." (2 Sam 1:11-12, 17 [see vs 19-27])
"When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed." (Matt 27:58-60); "Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre." (Mark 15:43-46); "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre." (John 20:11); "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept." (Mark 16:9-10)
and perhaps more ...
For further study of Saul as a type:
Types of Antichrist: King Saul and Absalom
Saul and David : Satan and Christ
Types Of The Antichrist, A. Pink
Saul, a Type of Anti-Christ (1 Samuel 22:6-23) - YouTube