True or False: Saul was generally viewed as a good and successful king.

The view of Saul as a king in the Old Testament is primarily shaped by the narratives found in 1 Samuel. Saul's reign is marked by significant early successes, including military victories and the unification of Israel's tribes. However, his legacy is ultimately complicated by his disobedience to God's commands, his turbulent relationship with the prophet Samuel, and his gradual descent into paranoia and instability.

The biblical text portrays Saul as a tragic figure who started well but faltered as he increasingly strayed from divine instructions. As his reign progressed, his failure to follow God's directives led to God's rejection of him as king, which is explicitly stated in chapters 15 and 16 of 1 Samuel. These elements contribute to a broader understanding that, while Saul may have had moments of success, he is ultimately not viewed as a "good" king in the theological context of the narratives.

The assessment of Saul's kingship contrasts with that of David, who is often celebrated for his faithfulness and relationship with God, which underscores the negative aspects of Saul's reign in comparison. Thus, characterizing him as generally viewed positively or as a successful king does not align with the overall presentation in the scripture.