The concluding section of 1 Samuel 14 (1 Samuel 14:47–52) provides a summary of Saul's career, including a brief statement of his military activities as well as the names and relationships of important family members.1 Overall, the summary is very positive.2 By the judgment of history from man's perspective, Saul’s life was a success. He made good progress in terms of establishing a standing army, protecting Israel’s borders, and setting up administration. He was also blessed by God with many sons and daughters.3 Significantly, however, there is no mention of the Lord (unlike in the summary of David’s reign in 2 Samuel 8:1–18),4 or Saul doing what was just and right for all the people (2 Samuel 8:15).5
The summary of Saul’s reign is the second summary that we find in 1 Samuel. Previously we were given a summary of Samuel's reign (1 Samuel 7:15–17), also after a victory over the Philistines.6 The summary of Saul’s reign is given before his death (which will take place only in 1 Samuel 31:1–13). This is done because the following chapters will prepare us to focus on David.7
47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them.