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1 Samuel 11

World English Bible

WEB

1Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and encamped against Jabesh Gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.” 2Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make it with you, that all your right eyes be gouged out. I will make this dishonor all Israel.” 3The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel; and then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.” 4Then the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul, and spoke these words in the ears of the people, then all the people lifted up their voice and wept. 5Behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, “What ails the people that they weep?” They told him the words of the men of Jabesh. 6God’s Spirit came mightily on Saul when he heard those words, and his anger burned hot. 7He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, then sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, “Whoever doesn’t come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” The dread of Yahweh fell on the people, and they came out as one man. 8He counted them in Bezek; and the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 9They said to the messengers who came, “Tell the men of Jabesh Gilead, ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will be rescued.’” The messengers came and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad. 10Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you shall do with us all that seems good to you.” 11On the next day, Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the middle of the camp in the morning watch, and struck the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who remained were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. 12The people said to Samuel, “Who is he who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring those men, that we may put them to death!” 13Saul said, “No man shall be put to death today; for today Yahweh has rescued Israel.” 14Then Samuel said to the people, “Come! Let’s go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.” 15All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before Yahweh in Gilgal. There they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before Yahweh; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

1 Samuel Chapter 11 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's history when the Ammonite king, #Nahash, threatens the city of #Jabesh-Gilead. The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, faced with the prospect of brutal treatment, seek a covenant with Nahash, who cruelly demands that they allow him to gouge out their right eyes as a sign of submission. In desperation, they request a seven-day delay to seek help, hoping that someone will come to their rescue. This plea for assistance highlights the dire situation and the need for divine intervention.

God raises up #Saul, who has recently been anointed as king, to respond to this crisis. When Saul hears of the plight of Jabesh-Gilead, the Spirit of God comes upon him powerfully, igniting a righteous anger within him. He gathers the Israelites by cutting up a yoke of oxen and sending the pieces throughout the land, calling them to arms. This rallying cry unites the tribes of Israel, and they respond to Saul's leadership, demonstrating their commitment to defend their fellow Israelites.

In a decisive battle, Saul leads the Israelites to victory over the Ammonites, defeating them with a great slaughter. This victory not only solidifies Saul's position as king but also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people. After the battle, the people gather at Gilgal to renew Saul's kingship, acknowledging that it is the Lord who has delivered them. This chapter emphasizes themes of leadership, divine intervention, and the importance of unity among God's people in the face of adversity. It also marks the beginning of Saul's reign, showcasing both his potential as a leader and the need for reliance on God in times of trouble.
#1Samuel #Saul #JabeshGilead #Nahash #Israel

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Referenced by

  1. Judges 14:19v6In Judges 14:19, the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon Samson, enabling him to defeat thirty men. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 11:6, the Spirit of God comes upon Saul, empowering him to lead Israel to victory. Both instances show the Spirit's role in empowering leaders for deliverance.
  2. Judges 15:14v6In Judges 15:14, the Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon Samson, enabling him to break free from his bonds. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 11:6, the Spirit of God comes upon Saul, empowering him to lead Israel to victory. Both instances highlight the empowering presence of the Spirit for deliverance.
  3. Judges 19:29v7Judges 19:29 describes the Levite cutting his concubine into pieces and sending them throughout Israel, similar to Saul cutting oxen into pieces in 1 Samuel 11:7 to rally Israel, both acts serving as a call to action.

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