1 Samuel Chapter 11
1 Then 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."
2 Nahash 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 dishonour all Israel."
3 The 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."
4 Then 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.
5 Behold, 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.
6 God's Spirit came mightily on Saul when he heard those words, and his anger burnt hot.
7 He took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and 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 the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man.
8 He counted them in Bezek; and the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.
9 They 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.
10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, "Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you shall do with us all that seems good to you."
11 On 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.
12 The people said to Samuel, "Who is he who said, 'Shall Saul reign over us?' Bring those men, that we may put them to death!"
13 Saul said, "No man shall be put to death today; for today the LORD has rescued Israel."
14 Then Samuel said to the people, "Come! Let's go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there."
15 All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
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1 Samuel Chapter 11 Guide
It would seem as though Saul, going down as he did to his house in Gibeah, did not take up the active responsibilities of the kingship until the Ammonite invasion occurred. This would seem to have stirred within him, as the Spirit of God came upon him, a sense of responsibility, and he responded thereto. Immediately, in the presence of the danger, and under the divine power of the Spirit, he gathered the people together, and gained a great victory.
The closing sentences of the previous chapter reveal that there were certain men in the kingdom who were rebellious against his appointment. Now, in the day of his victory, the people suggested the punishment of these men. In this connection the possibility of greatness in Saul was manifested, in that he refused to mar the day of God's victory by visiting the traitors with punishment.
At this time Samuel at once took advantage of the accession of Saul to gather the people together at Gilgal, at which gathering he was confirmed in the kingdom.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
1 Samuel Chapter 11 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- 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.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.