Editing Saul (section)

== In Islam ==
In the [[Quran]], the character [[Talut]] ({{langx|ar|طالوت}}) is traditionally identified with king Saul.<ref>[[M. A. S. Abdel Haleem]]: ''The Qur'an, a new translation'', note to 2:247.</ref>
Muslims believe that (as in the Bible) he was the commander of Israel. According to the Qur'an, Talut was chosen by the Prophet Samuel (not mentioned by name explicitly, but rather as "a Prophet" of the Israelites) after being asked by the people of Israel for a [[Kingdom of Israel (united monarchy)|King]] to lead them into war. The Israelites criticized Samuel for appointing Talut, lacking respect for Talut because he was not wealthy. Samuel rebuked the people for this and told them that Talut was more favored than they were. Talut led the Israelites to victory over the army of [[Goliath]], who was killed by [[David in Islam|David]]. Talut is considered a divinely appointed king.<ref name="qref|2|246-251|b=y">{{qref|2|246-252|b=y}}</ref>

=== Name ===
The name {{tlitn|ar|Ṭālūt}} has uncertain etymology. Unlike some other Quranic figures, the Arabic name is not similar to the Hebrew name (''Sha'ul''). According to [[Tafsir|Muslim exegetes]], the name means 'tall' (from the Arabic {{tlit|ar|tūl}}) and refers to the extraordinary stature of Saul, which would be consistent with the Biblical account.<ref name=Oliver2006>Leaman, Oliver, ''The Quran, An Encyclopedia'', 2006, p. 638.</ref> In explanation of the name, exegetes such as [[Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tha'labi|Tha'labi]] hold that at this time, the future King of Israel was to be recognised by his height; Samuel set up a measure, but no one in Israel reached its height except Ṭālūt (Saul).

=== Saul as the King of Israel ===
In the Qur'an, Israelites demanded a King after the time of [[Moses in Islam|Moses]]. God appointed Talut as their King. Saul was distinguished by the greatness of his knowledge and of his physique; it was a sign of his role as King that God brought back the [[Ark of the Covenant]] for Israel. Talut tested his people at a river; whoever drank from it would not follow him in battle excepting one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand. Many drank but only the faithful ventured on. In the battle, however, David slew Goliath and was made the subsequent King of Israel.<ref name="qref|2|246-251|b=y" />

The Qur'anic account<ref name="qref|2|246-251|b=y" /> differs from the Biblical account (if Saul is assumed to be Talut) in that in the Bible the sacred Ark was returned to Israel before Saul's accession, and the test by drinking water is made in the [[Hebrew Bible]] not by Saul but by [[Gideon#Biblical narrative|Gideon]].<ref name=Judges>Judges vii. 5–7</ref>