Final answer:
The first king of Israel, chosen by the people during the time of Samuel to lead them against Philistine oppression, was Saul.
Step-by-step explanation:
The First King of Israel
The period known as the united monarchy in the history of Israel saw the rise of its first three kings: Saul, David, and Solomon. The people of Israel, during Samuel's aging, requested to appoint a king “like all the other nations.” This period began with Saul becoming king around 1030 BCE. Initially, he was anointed king as the Hebrew tribes united to face the oppression from Philistines, a prominent Sea Peoples group. Despite Saul’s leadership, it was his successor, David, who effectively established the Kingdom, driving back the Philistines, making Jerusalem the capital, and setting up a shrine for the Israelite god Yahweh. David was succeeded by his son Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom, expanding trade, and constructing significant works, including the Temple of Jerusalem. However, during Solomon's reign, heavy taxation and labor demands created resentment among the Israelites, eventually leading to the kingdom's division after his death.
Therefore, the answer to the student's question is b. Saul, as he was the first king of Israel chosen by the people during Samuel's time to defend against Philistine oppression.