Bible Figure
Kish
Biblical figure, father of Saul
Kish was a Benjaminite of wealth or standing and the father of Saul, Israel's first king.
Biography
First Samuel 9 introduces Kish son of Abiel as a Benjaminite and father of Saul. Saul's search for Kish's lost donkeys providentially brought him to Samuel, who anointed him as Israel's future ruler. Later genealogies trace Kish within Benjamin's family lines. Scripture gives little independent narrative about Kish himself.
Biblical Significance
Kish is significant chiefly as Saul's father and as part of the Benjaminite setting from which Israel's first monarchy emerged.