Al-Baqarah: 247
"And their prophet said to them..."
- Talut (Saul): A non-Arabic name, like Jalut (Goliath) and Dawud (David). It is diptote (ghayr munsarif) due to its properness and non-Arabic origin. Some claim it is derived from al-tul (height) due to the description of his "stature in body."
- If its measure were derived from al-tul, it would be fa‘lut (originally tulut). However, its being diptote argues against this, unless one says it is a Hebrew name that happens to coincide with an Arabic root—much like hinta (wheat) coincides with hinta. Thus, it is from al-tul as if it were Arabic, with its two causes for being diptote being its properness and its non-Arabic origin (being Hebrew).
"Indeed, how..."
- This is an expression of denial regarding his kingship over them and a deeming of it as unlikely.
"If you ask: What is the difference between the two 'waws' in 'And we are more worthy' (wa-nahnu ahaqqu) and 'And he has not been given' (wa-lam yu'ta)?"
- I say: The first is for the state (hal), and the second is for conjoining the sentence to the sentence that functions as a state. Both are governed by the rule of the waw of state.
- The meaning is: How can he rule over us, given that he does not deserve kingship because there is someone more worthy of it, and because he is poor, while a king requires wealth to support his authority?
- They said this because prophethood was in the tribe of Levi, son of Jacob, and kingship was in the tribe of Judah. Talut was not from either tribe. Furthermore, he was a poor water-carrier or tanner.
- It is narrated that their prophet prayed to Allah when they asked for a king, and a staff was brought to measure who should rule over them; no one matched its length except Talut.
"He said: Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you..."
- He means that Allah is the One who chose him over you, and He is more knowledgeable of the interests than you are; there is no objection to the decree of Allah.
- He then mentioned two benefits more useful than what they mentioned (lineage and wealth): vast knowledge and physical stature.
- It is apparent that "knowledge" refers to expertise in the matters of war for which they requested a king. It is also possible he was knowledgeable in religious matters and others. It is said he was inspired and made a prophet. A king must be a person of knowledge, for an ignorant person is despised and of no use. He must also be of great stature to fill the eye with presence, as this is more imposing to the soul and more awe-inspiring to the heart.
- Al-bastah means vastness and extension. It is narrated that a man standing would reach his head with his hand.
"He gives His kingdom to whom He wills..."
- Meaning: The kingdom belongs to Him, without dispute. He gives it to whom He wills—the one He deems fit for kingship.
"And Allah is All-Encompassing..."
- In grace and giving; He bestows abundance upon those who lack wealth and enriches them after poverty.
"All-Knowing..."
- Of whom He chooses for kingship.
