Saul, first king of Israel, conducts many wars against the Philistines, exhausting their power and slowing down their advance. His victories over the Ammonites in Gilead, the Moabites, Amalekites, Arameans, and Edomites, determine the boundaries of the kingdom of Israel. But, victorious abroad, the king faces serious problems within the land: his relations with the Prophet Samuel deteriorate, a fact which tarnishes his image among the people; furthermore, in a single combat against Goliath the Philistine giant, young David wins glory and popularity, as well as the friendship of Saul’s son, Jonathan; these personal rivalries seriously undermine the young monarchy of King Saul.