King Saul’s Palace at Gibeah

Just about 6 miles north of Jerusalem lies the ruins of King Saul’s palace fortress. It is located in the ancient Israelite city of Gibeah which overlooks the Central Benjamin Plateau from the east side. Today, you can see the unfinished palace of King Hussein of Jordan on the location of the ancient city of Gibeah. The ruins of Saul’s palace fortress is directly behind the unfinished Jordanian palace. The palace was unfinished because it was under construction when the 1967 Six Day War placed it within the borders of Israel.

It was here in Gibeah of Saul that David played his harp for Saul (Hebrew meaning “asked”), and where Saul tried to kill David with a spear/javelin.

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.” 1 Samuel 18:10-12.