Saul 's life and reign are described in the Hebrew Bible. He was anointed by the prophet Samuel and reigned from Gibeah. He fell on his sword (committing suicide) to avoid capture in the battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, during which three of his sons were also killed. The succession to his throne was contested by Ish - bosheth, his only surviving son, and his son - in - law David, who eventually prevailed. A similar yet different account of Saul 's life may be given in the Quran. Neither the length of Saul 's reign, nor the extent of his territory are given in the Hebrew Bible; the former is traditionally fixed at twenty or twenty - two years, but there is no reliable evidence for these numbers.
who was the son of saul in the bible
Ish - bosheth