In chapter eight of First Samuel the Israelites ask for a king to rule over them. God appoints a man whose name is Saul. He appears for the first time as a typical young man belonging to the small tribe of Benjamin. When he is made king he is a little intimidated by his new position. However, over time he experiences a series of events that make him a selfish, envious, power-hungry, and ultimately mad ruler. This development of his character begins with his son Jonathan's disobedience of his orders, but its main source is his jealousy of David's success on the battlefield and his failed attempts to kill David. The first time we meet Saul, he is sent by his father to go look for their lost donkeys. After searching and not finding the donkeys, he wants to go home, because his father might be worried. "Let's go back, otherwise my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us." (1 Samuel 9:5) This is a normal reaction that an ordinary person would have when faced with such a situation. From Saul's first statement it is obvious that he is an average man concerned about his father. Alter states that a biblical character's first expression is a character's defining moment. However, from the time of Saul's first observation until the day of his death, Saul changes dramatically. Saul tells the Israelites that “Cursed be the man who eats any food before night falls, and I will take vengeance on my enemies.” (1 Samuel 14:24) However, Jonathan, Saul's son, did not hear Saul's declaration. When he sees the honey spilled on the ground he tastes it and "his eyes light up". (1 Samuel 14:27) Even though the other troops warned him that Saul had forbidden eating, Jonathan did not regret his decision to disobey his father's orders. “My father… was in the center of the card… with him, and he knew that David was best suited to be king. Saul knew that he could not remain king as long as David lived. Saul attempted to kill David several times. Every time he failed. Each failure brought Saul closer and closer to breaking. In chapters twenty-four and twenty-six David has two opportunities to kill Saul. Each time he spares Saul's life, but leaves a mark to let Saul know that he could have killed Saul. The first time David cuts off part of Saul's robe. The second time David takes Saul's spear and his ______________________. David was playing with Saul's mind. Saul was powerless compared to David. Saul was determined to kill David, but every time he would fail. David has two chances to kill Saul and spares Saul both times. Saul was no match for David and he knew it. Saul realizes that he cannot get rid of David, because God is with him.