King Saul (1012–1004 BCE)
• Consecrated first king of the Israelites.
• Resided in Gibeah (near Jerusalem).
• Achieved only minimal political and military success.
• Died, allegedly by his own hand, after a catastrophic defeat at Gilboa.
King David (1004–965 BCE)
• Created the first Israelite Empire with secure boundaries.
• Made Jerusalem his capital and religious centre (the “holy” city) with Yahweh as the God of the nation.
• Created a tight organisation of the military and religious administration.
• Marked the beginning of historical record keeping in Israel.
• Under his successor Solomon, the first temple was built.
