1 Samuel 11

In this chapter, Saul steps into his role as Israel’s king by leading them to victory over the Ammonites. The people of Jabesh Gilead are threatened by Nahash, the Ammonite, and seek help. Saul, moved by the Spirit of God, gathers an army to rescue them, leading to his public recognition as king. This chapter highlights Saul’s early leadership and the unity of Israel under a central figure.

1 Samuel 11:1-5 (NKJV)

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 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, “On this condition I will make a covenant with you, that I may put out all your right eyes, and bring reproach on all Israel.”
3 Then the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Hold off for seven days, that we may send messengers to all the territory of Israel. And then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.”
4 So the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and told the news in the hearing of the people. And all the people lifted up their voices and wept.
5 Now there was Saul, coming behind the herd from the field; and Saul said, “What troubles the people, that they weep?” And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh.

Nahash, an Ammonite leader, lays siege to Jabesh Gilead, threatening to humiliate Israel by putting out the right eyes of its people, symbolizing subjugation. The elders of Jabesh stall for time, hoping Israel will send help. They are in a desperate situation, knowing that surrender without help is inevitable. When the messengers arrive in Saul’s town, the people are distressed. Saul, still living a simple life as a farmer despite being anointed king, learns of the crisis. The nation's uncertainty about their new king reflects in their emotional response to the news.

1 Samuel 11:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.
7 So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen.” And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.
8 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 to the messengers who came, “Thus you shall say to the men of Jabesh Gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have help.’” Then the messengers came and reported it to the men of Jabesh, and they were glad.

Saul is moved by the Spirit of God to take action, displaying righteous anger at the threat against Jabesh Gilead. His decisive act of cutting oxen and sending them throughout Israel serves as a vivid and urgent call to arms. The people respond out of fear and reverence for the Lord. Saul gathers a large force, and his leadership alongside Samuel ensures unity. By promising deliverance to Jabesh Gilead, he restores hope to the besieged people, demonstrating his emerging authority and God's favor upon him.

1 Samuel 11:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you may do with us whatever seems good to you.”
11 So it was, on the next day, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and killed Ammonites until the heat of the day. And it happened that those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

The men of Jabesh deceive Nahash by pretending to surrender, but Saul has already devised a plan. He divides his army into three groups, launching a surprise attack early in the morning. The battle lasts until midday, and the Ammonites are decisively defeated. Those who survive the attack are scattered, and their army is thoroughly dismantled. Saul's military strategy proves successful, showcasing his capability as a leader and securing his position as king in the eyes of the people.

1 Samuel 11:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is he who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.”
13 But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has accomplished salvation in Israel.”

In the aftermath of the victory, the people remember those who doubted Saul’s kingship and call for their punishment. However, Saul demonstrates humility and clemency by refusing to execute the dissenters. He shifts the focus from personal vindication to recognizing that the victory was due to the Lord’s intervention, not his own strength. This act of mercy further solidifies his leadership and sets a tone of unity and forgiveness within the nation.

1 Samuel 11:14-15 (NKJV)
14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.”
15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they made sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Samuel invites the people to Gilgal to reaffirm Saul's kingship before the Lord. This ceremony marks the official recognition of Saul as king, not just by the people, but also before God. They offer peace offerings, symbolizing their gratitude for deliverance and the newfound unity in Israel. This moment is one of national joy and celebration, as Israel rejoices in their victory and the establishment of their king, marking the beginning of Saul’s formal reign.