A short Insight into SHMUEL 1, Chapter 31 By Rabbi Nisson Dov Miller

(PLEASE LEARN FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR HARAV YOSEF SHALOM BEN CHAYA MUSHA) We conclude Sefer Shmuel 1 with the burial of Shaul and his sons in Yaveish. Though Shaul did not die in great glory, we should realize that Chazal teach us that Shaul was a great person. The Mei’am Lo’eiz brings the following Medresh. Rabbi Yanai said, “There are twelve good character traits mentioned explicitly regarding Shaul.” 1) He was humble. 2) He was able to be embarrassed and remain silent. 3) He forgave despite his embarrassment. 4) He was careful with the mitzvah of tzitzis. 5) He provided dowries for the young Jewish women in order to marry properly. 6) He recognized and accepted responsibility for his sins. 7) He was modest. 8) He spent his money to protect the assets of B’nei Yisrael. 9) He ate mundane food with the stringencies of sanctified foods. 10) He made sure that which was sanctified was channeled properly. 11) He gave his servants great honor. 12) He repented for his sins