<P> Some Muslims refer to Saul as Tālūt (Arabic: طالوت ‎), and believe that (as in the Bible) he was the commander of Israel . Other scholars, however, have identified Talut as Gideon with the reasoning that the Qur'an references the same incident of the drinking from the river as that found in Judges 7: 5--7 and other factors associated with Gideon . According to the Qur'an, Talut was chosen by the Prophet Samuel (not mentioned by name explicitly, but rather as "a Prophet" of the Israelites) after being asked by the people of Israel for a King) to lead them into war . The Israelites criticized Samuel for appointing Talut, lacking respect for Talut because he was not wealthy . Samuel rebuked the people for this and told them that Talut was more favored than they were . Talut led the Israelites to victory over the army of Goliath, who was killed by Dawud (David). Talut is not considered a Nabi (Arabic: نَـبِي ‎, Prophet), but a Divinely appointed King . </P> <P> The name' Tālūt' has uncertain etymology . Unlike some other Qur'anic figures, the Arabic name is not similar to the Hebrew name (Sha'ul). According to Muslim exegetes, the name' Tālūt' means' Tall' (from the Arabic "tūl") and refers to the extraordinary stature of Saul, which would be consistent with the Biblical account . In explanation of the name, exegetes such as Tha'labi hold that at this time, the future King of Israel was to be recognised by his height; Samuel set up a measure, but no one in Israel reached its height except Tālūt (Saul). </P> <P> In the Qur'an, Israelites demanded a King after the time of Musa (Moses). God appointed Talut as their King . Saul was distinguished by the greatness of his knowledge and of his physique; it was a sign of his role as King that God brought back the Ark of the Covenant for Israel . Talut tested his people at a river; whoever drank from it would not follow him in battle excepting one who takes (from it) in the hollow of his hand . Many drank but only the faithful ventured on . In the battle, however, David slew Goliath and was made the subsequent King of Israel . </P> <P> The Qur'anic account differs from the Biblical account (if Saul is assumed to be Talut) in that in the Bible the sacred Ark was returned to Israel before Saul's accession, and the test by drinking water is made in the Hebrew Bible not by Saul but by Gideon. . However, the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 14 has parallels to Qur'an 2: 246 - 251, faithfully accounting for the sacred Ark and the fasting test (1 Samuel 14: 18; 1 Samuel 14: 24 - 48; Quran 2: 246--251). </P>

Who is saul and david in the bible