1 Samuel 11

1 ascendit autem Naas Ammonites et pugnare coepit adversus Iabesgalaad dixeruntque omnes viri Iabes ad Naas habeto nos foederatos et serviemus tibi

2 et respondit ad eos Naas Ammonites in hoc feriam vobiscum foedus ut eruam omnium vestrum oculos dextros ponamque vos obprobrium in universo Israhel

3 et dixerunt ad eum seniores Iabes concede nobis septem dies ut mittamus nuntios in universos terminos Israhel et si non fuerit qui defendat nos egrediemur ad te

4 venerunt ergo nuntii in Gabaath Saulis et locuti sunt verba audiente populo et levavit omnis populus vocem suam et flevit

5 et ecce Saul veniebat sequens boves de agro et ait quid habet populus quod plorat et narraverunt ei verba virorum Iabes

6 et insilivit spiritus Domini in Saul cum audisset verba haec et iratus est furor eius nimis

7 et adsumens utrumque bovem concidit in frusta misitque in omnes terminos Israhel per manum nuntiorum dicens quicumque non exierit secutusque fuerit Saul et Samuhelem sic fiet bubus eius invasit ergo timor Domini populum et egressi sunt quasi vir unus

8 et recensuit eos in Bezec fueruntque filiorum Israhel trecenta milia virorum autem Iuda triginta milia

9 et dixerunt nuntiis qui venerant sic dicetis viris qui sunt in Iabesgalaad cras erit vobis salus cum incaluerit sol venerunt ergo nuntii et adnuntiaverunt viris Iabes qui laetati sunt

10 et dixerunt mane exibimus ad vos et facietis nobis omne quod placuerit vobis

11 et factum est cum venisset dies crastinus constituit Saul populum in tres partes et ingressus est media castra in vigilia matutina et percussit Ammon usque dum incalesceret dies reliqui autem dispersi sunt ita ut non relinquerentur in eis duo pariter

12 et ait populus ad Samuhel quis est iste qui dixit Saul non regnabit super nos date viros et interficiemus eos

13 et ait Saul non occidetur quisquam in die hac quia hodie fecit Dominus salutem in Israhel

14 dixit autem Samuhel ad populum venite et eamus in Galgala et innovemus ibi regnum

15 et perrexit omnis populus in Galgala et fecerunt ibi regem Saul coram Domino in Galgala et immolaverunt ibi victimas pacificas coram Domino et laetatus est ibi Saul et cuncti viri Israhel nimis

1 Samuel 11 Commentary

Chapter 11

Jabesh-gilead delivered. (1-11) Saul confirmed in his kingdom. (12-15)

Verses 1-11 The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.

Verses 12-15 They now honoured Saul whom they had despised; and if an enemy be made a friend, that is more to our advantage than to have him slain. The once despised Saviour will at length be acknowledged by all as the Lord's own anointed king. As yet, upon his mercy-seat, he receives the submission of rebels, and even pleads their cause; but shortly, from his righteous tribunal, he will condemn all who persist in opposing him.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 11

This chapter relates the distress the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead were in on account of the Ammonites, 1Sa 11:1-3 upon which they sent messengers to Saul, whose spirit was immediately stirred up to help them, 1Sa 11:4-6, and prepared for it, and came up soon enough for their relief, and slew their enemies, 1Sa 11:7-11, which gained him much honour and reputation among the people, and occasioned the renewal of the kingdom to him, 1Sa 11:12-15.