1 Samuel 11

1 Then Nachash the `Ammonite came up, and encamped against Yavesh-Gil`ad: and all the men of Yavesh said to Nachash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.

2 Nachash the `Ammonite said to them, On this condition will I make it with you, that all your right eyes be put out; and I will lay it for a reproach on all Yisra'el.

3 The Zakenim of Yavesh said to him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Yisra'el; and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to you.

4 Then came the messengers to Gevah of Sha'ul, and spoke these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

5 Behold, Sha'ul came following the oxen out of the field; and Sha'ul said, What ails the people that they weep? They told him the words of the men of Yavesh.

6 The Spirit of God came mightily on Sha'ul when he heard those words, and his anger was kindled greatly.

7 He took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Yisra'el by the hand of messengers, saying, Whoever doesn't come forth after Sha'ul and after Shemu'el, so shall it be done to his oxen. The dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man.

8 He numbered them in Bezek; and the children of Yisra'el were three hundred thousand, and the men of Yehudah thirty thousand.

9 They said to the messengers who came, Thus shall you tell the men of Yavesh-Gil`ad, Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have deliverance. The messengers came and told the men of Yavesh; and they were glad.

10 Therefore the men of Yavesh said, Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you shall do with us all that seems good to you.

11 It was so on the next day, that Sha'ul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and struck the `Ammonim until the heat of the day: and it happened, that those who remained were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

12 The people said to Shemu'el, Who is he who said, Shall Sha'ul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.

13 Sha'ul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day; for today the LORD has worked deliverance in Yisra'el.

14 Then said Shemu'el to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.

15 All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Sha'ul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they offered sacrifices of peace-offerings before the LORD; and there Sha'ul and all the men of Yisra'el rejoiced greatly.

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.