Who created the first kingdom in Israel?

Answer 1

Saul, the first king in Israel, was chosen by Samuel through prophecy from God, after the Israelite elders requested a king (1 Samuel ch.8-10.

• As the very first Israelite king, Saul set up the apparatus of royalty and its institutions.
  
• He put Israel's enemies to shame (1 Samuel 14:47-48).
  
• Under the guidance of Samuel, he united the Israelite tribes.
  
• He briefly experienced prophecy.

Note that concerning Saul, our tradition explicitly states that he was a righteous man (Talmud, Moed Katan 16b; and midrash Br. Rabbah 54:4).

See also:

More from archaeology

More about Samuel and King Saul

Answer 2

Biblical tradition says that Saul was the first king of Israel, although even The Bible portrays him like a tribal warlord, holding court under a tree. Modern scholars, supported by recent Archaeology, suggests that Omri was probably the first true king of Israel, approximately 884-873 BCE.