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 showed 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.
The book of 1 Samuel in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible tells the story of the rise of Israel's first king, Saul, and the subsequent fall of King Saul. Chapter 11 is a pivotal chapter in this story as it marks the beginning of Saul's reign as king and showcases his leadership abilities and bravery. This chapter also highlights the themes of obedience, courage, and unity among the people of Israel.
The chapter begins with the Ammonites, a neighboring nation, attacking the city of Jabesh-Gilead. The people of Jabesh-Gilead, in a desperate plea for help, offer a treaty to the Ammonites, asking for seven days to find someone who can save them. The Ammonites agree, and the people of Jabesh-Gilead send messengers throughout Israel to ask for help.
When Saul hears about the plight of the people of Jabesh-Gilead, he is filled with the Spirit of God, and his anger is kindled. He gathers an army of three hundred and thirty thousand men and leads them to battle against the Ammonites. This display of leadership and courage is a stark contrast to Saul's earlier reluctance to become king (1 Samuel 10:22). This event marks the beginning of Saul's reign as king, and it is clear that God is with him, guiding and empowering him to lead his people.
Saul and his army arrive at Jabesh-Gilead and defeat the Ammonites, rescuing the city and its inhabitants. The victory is a testament to Saul's leadership and the power of God working through him. The people of Israel, seeing Saul's bravery and success, gather together to reaffirm their loyalty to him as their king. This unity among the people of Israel is crucial in establishing Saul's authority and solidifying his position as king.
After the battle, Saul demonstrates humility and grace by refusing to take revenge on those who had doubted him earlier (1 Samuel 10:27). He also gives credit to God for the victory, acknowledging that it was God who had saved Israel through him. This act of humility and recognition of God's power further endears Saul to the people of Israel.
The victory over the Ammonites also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. The people of Israel had disobeyed God by rejecting Him as their king and asking for a human king instead (1 Samuel 8:7). However, God had still chosen to work through Saul and use him to deliver the people of Israel from their enemies. This victory is a testament to God's faithfulness and the consequences of obedience to His will.
Saul's obedience to God's command to go and save the people of Jabesh-Gilead also serves as a foreshadowing of his later disobedience, which ultimately leads to his downfall as king (1 Samuel 15:23). This chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's will and the consequences of disobedience.
Overall, 1 Samuel chapter 11 is a significant chapter in the book of 1 Samuel as it marks the beginning of Saul's reign as king and showcases his leadership abilities and bravery. It also highlights the themes of obedience, courage, and unity among the people of Israel. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. It also shows how God can work through imperfect human leaders to accomplish His will and bring about victory for His people.
Furthermore, this chapter foreshadows the downfall of Saul as king, which is a result of his disobedience and lack of humility. This serves as a warning to all leaders to remain obedient to God and to always give credit to Him for their successes.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel chapter 11 is a pivotal chapter in the book of 1 Samuel, showcasing the rise of Saul as king and highlighting important themes and lessons for readers. It is a testament to the power of God working through human leaders and the importance of obedience to His will. This chapter serves as a reminder to always trust in God and to strive for unity and humility in our leadership.
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