47 After Sha’ul had taken on the kingship of Israel, he fought against their enemies from all around: against the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he punished his enemies. 48 He acted bravely and defeated even the Amalekites, always rescuing Israel from those who came in to plunder it.

49 Sha’ul’s sons were Yonatan, Ishvi, and Malki-Shua. His oldest daughter was Merab, and the younger one was Mikal. 50 His wife’s name was Ahinoam (daughter of Ahima’ats). His army commander was Abner (son of Sha’ul’s uncle Ner— 51 Kish was Sha’uls father, and Abner’s father Ner was Abiel’s son).

52 The conflict with the Philistines was intensive for all of Sha’uls life, so whenever he saw a good warrior or any strong, young man, then he would conscript them.