1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.
2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this [condition] will I make [a covenant] with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it [for] a reproach upon all Israel.
3 And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if [there be] no man to save us, we will come out to thee.
4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.
5 And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What [aileth] the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.
6 And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent [them] throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.
8 And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.
9 And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by [that time] the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed [it] to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.
11 And it was [so] on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.
12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who [is] he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.
13 And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.
14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
Summary of 1 Samuel Chapter 11
1 Samuel Chapter 11 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, showcasing the leadership of Saul and the unity of the Israelites in the face of external threat. The chapter opens with the Ammonite siege of Jabesh-Gilead and culminates in Saul’s rise as a king who unites the tribes of Israel against a common enemy.
Key Events
- Ammonite Threat: Nahash the Ammonite besieges Jabesh-Gilead, demanding the right eye of every man as a sign of submission.
- Desperation of Jabesh-Gilead: The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead seek a covenant with Nahash, but he refuses unless they surrender completely.
- Call for Help: The elders of Jabesh-Gilead send messengers throughout Israel to seek aid.
- Saul’s Response: Saul, moved by the Spirit of God, rallies the Israelites to defend Jabesh-Gilead.
- Victory Over the Ammonites: Saul leads the Israelites to a decisive victory, demonstrating his capabilities as a leader.
- Saul’s Kingship Affirmed: Following the victory, the people affirm Saul as their king at Gilgal, marking a significant moment in Israel’s monarchy.
Character Analysis
- Saul: Initially presented as a humble figure, Saul emerges as a decisive leader filled with the Spirit of God. His actions demonstrate both bravery and tactical skill as he unites the tribes of Israel against the Ammonites.
- Nahash: The Ammonite king represents a formidable enemy, embodying cruelty and oppression. His demand for the right eyes of the men of Jabesh-Gilead highlights his ruthless nature.
- The Elders of Jabesh-Gilead: They exhibit desperation and resourcefulness in seeking help, showcasing the dire circumstances faced by the Israelites.
- The Israelites: The collective response of the tribes illustrates their willingness to unite against a common enemy, indicating a strong sense of national identity emerging in Israel.
Thematic Elements
- Leadership: The chapter emphasizes the qualities of effective leadership through Saul’s actions, highlighting the importance of divine guidance in leadership roles.
- Unity: The response of the Israelites to the threat from Nahash underscores the theme of unity in the face of adversity, showcasing the strength that comes from collective action.
- Divine Intervention: The Spirit of God empowering Saul signifies the biblical theme of divine support for chosen leaders, reinforcing the belief that God plays an active role in guiding Israel’s destiny.
- Deliverance: The victory over the Ammonites serves as a reminder of God’s deliverance for His people, reinforcing their faith and commitment to God’s chosen leader.
Historical Context
This chapter is set during a transitional period in Israel’s history, as the nation moves from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. The threat from external enemies like the Ammonites highlights the need for strong leadership and unity among the tribes. Saul’s victory not only solidifies his position as king but also sets the stage for future challenges and developments in Israel’s monarchy.
Conclusion
1 Samuel Chapter 11 serves as a critical turning point in the narrative of Israel’s history, illustrating the emergence of Saul as a leader and the importance of unity in overcoming adversity. The chapter encapsulates themes of leadership, divine intervention, and national identity, which resonate throughout the biblical narrative.
