1 Samuel 11
BSB1 Soon Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you." 2 But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel." 3 “Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you." 4 When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. 5 Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. 6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they turned out as one man. 8 And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah. 9 So they said to the messengers who had come, “Tell the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Deliverance will be yours tomorrow by the time the sun is hot.’” And when the messengers relayed this to the men of Jabesh, they rejoiced. 10 Then the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Tomorrow we will come out, and you can do with us whatever seems good to you." 11 The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. 12 Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!" 13 But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel." 14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there." 15 So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Samuel 11
- Themes from 1 Samuel 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the Ammonites, led by Nahash, attacking the city of Jabesh-gilead and demanding that its inhabitants surrender and submit to them. The people of Jabesh-gilead ask for a seven-day reprieve to seek help from the rest of Israel. When they hear about the situation, the Israelites are filled with grief and fear. However, when Saul, who has been anointed by God, hears about the Ammonites' demand, he becomes angry and rallies the Israelites to fight against them. With God's help, the Israelites defeat the Ammonites, and Saul's leadership is established. The chapter also mentions that the people of Israel want to kill those who had previously doubted Saul's ability to lead, but Saul prevents this, showing his humility and mercy.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of Israel's transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy. The chapter follows the anointing of Saul as king in 1 Samuel 10 and precedes the establishment of Saul's kingdom in 1 Samuel 12. The event described in this chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's approval of Saul as king and establishes him as a leader in the eyes of the Israelites.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. We should also recognize the importance of godly leadership and the need to trust and obey our leaders, just as the Israelites followed Saul into battle.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of how God used Saul to deliver the Israelites from the Ammonites. When the Ammonites attacked the city of Jabesh-gilead, the people were afraid, but Saul trusted in God and led the Israelites to victory. This event established Saul as a leader in the eyes of the Israelites and demonstrated God's power and sovereignty.
Voices from the Church
“The Spirit of God is the source of all true courage and strength. When He comes upon us, we are able to face any challenge and overcome any obstacle.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The victory of the Israelites over the Ammonites is a testament to God's power and providence. It demonstrates that He is always working to achieve His purposes, even when we cannot see what He is doing.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Ammonites Attack Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:1-3) — The chapter begins with the Ammonites, led by Nahash, attacking the city of Jabesh-gilead and demanding that its inhabitants surrender and submit to them.
- The People of Jabesh-gilead Seek Help (1 Samuel 11:3-4) — The people of Jabesh-gilead ask for a seven-day reprieve to seek help from the rest of Israel.
- Saul Leads the Israelites to Victory (1 Samuel 11:5-11) — When Saul hears about the Ammonites' demand, he becomes angry and rallies the Israelites to fight against them. With God's help, the Israelites defeat the Ammonites, and Saul's leadership is established.
- The People Want to Kill Those Who Doubted Saul (1 Samuel 11:12-13) — The chapter also mentions that the people of Israel want to kill those who had previously doubted Saul's ability to lead, but Saul prevents this, showing his humility and mercy.
- Conclusion (1 Samuel 11:14-15) — The chapter concludes with the Israelites gathered at Gilgal, where they reaffirm Saul as their king and offer sacrifices to God.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- This chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, including the attack by the Ammonites and the victory of the Israelites.
- The Importance of Leadership
- The chapter highlights the importance of godly leadership and the need for followers to trust and obey their leaders.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit
- The event described in this chapter is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who comes upon Saul and enables him to lead the Israelites to victory.
- The Need for Faith and Trust
- The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 11
- God Is Sovereign — This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all events and that He is always working to achieve His purposes.
- Leadership Is Important — The chapter highlights the importance of godly leadership and the need for followers to trust and obey their leaders.
- The Holy Spirit Is Powerful — The event described in this chapter is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who comes upon Saul and enables him to lead the Israelites to victory.
- Faith and Trust Are Essential — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
- Humility and Mercy Are Important — Saul's humility and mercy in preventing the people from killing those who had doubted him are an important example for us to follow.
Themes from 1 Samuel 11
- God's Deliverance — This chapter describes how God delivers the Israelites from the Ammonites, demonstrating His power and sovereignty.
- Leadership and Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of godly leadership and the need for followers to trust and obey their leaders.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit — The event described in this chapter is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who comes upon Saul and enables him to lead the Israelites to victory.
- Faith and Trust — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
- Humility and Mercy — Saul's humility and mercy in preventing the people from killing those who had doubted him are an important example for us to follow.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the people of Jabesh-gilead's response to the Ammonites' attack?
- How does Saul's leadership in this chapter demonstrate God's sovereignty and power?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in this chapter, and what can we learn from this about the importance of the Spirit's work in our lives?
- How does this chapter encourage us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming challenges?
- What can we learn from Saul's humility and mercy in preventing the people from killing those who had doubted him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Ammonites Attack Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:1-3)
| 11:1 | The Ammonites, led by Nahash, attack the city of Jabesh-gilead and demand that its inhabitants surrender and submit to them. |
| 11:2 | Nahash gives the people of Jabesh-gilead a seven-day reprieve to seek help from the rest of Israel. |
| 11:3 | The people of Jabesh-gilead ask for a seven-day reprieve to seek help from the rest of Israel. |
2. The People of Jabesh-gilead Seek Help (1 Samuel 11:4-5)
| 11:4 | When the people of Jabesh-gilead hear about the Ammonites' demand, they are filled with grief and fear. |
| 11:5 | The people of Jabesh-gilead send messengers to the rest of Israel, asking for help. |
3. Saul Leads the Israelites to Victory (1 Samuel 11:6-11)
| 11:6 | When Saul hears about the Ammonites' demand, he becomes angry and rallies the Israelites to fight against them. |
| 11:7 | Saul cuts a pair of oxen into pieces and sends them throughout Israel, calling the people to follow him into battle. |
| 11:8 | The people of Israel gather to Saul, and he leads them to victory over the Ammonites. |
| 11:9 | The Israelites defeat the Ammonites, and Saul's leadership is established. |
| 11:10 | The people of Jabesh-gilead are saved, and the Ammonites are defeated. |
| 11:11 | The Israelites pursue the Ammonites and defeat them. |
4. The People Want to Kill Those Who Doubted Saul (1 Samuel 11:12-13)
| 11:12 | The people of Israel want to kill those who had previously doubted Saul's ability to lead. |
| 11:13 | Saul prevents the people from killing those who had doubted him, showing his humility and mercy. |
5. Conclusion (1 Samuel 11:14-15)
| 11:14 | The Israelites gather at Gilgal, where they reaffirm Saul as their king. |
| 11:15 | The people offer sacrifices to God, and Saul's leadership is established. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Ammonites' attack on Jabesh-gilead?
The Ammonites' attack on Jabesh-gilead sets the stage for God's deliverance of the Israelites and the establishment of Saul as their king. As seen in 1 Samuel 11:1-3, the attack is a challenge to God's people and provides an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and sovereignty.
How does Saul's leadership in this chapter demonstrate God's sovereignty and power?
Saul's leadership in this chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and power because it is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who comes upon him and enables him to lead the Israelites to victory. As seen in 1 Samuel 11:6, the Spirit of God rushes upon Saul, and he becomes angry and rallies the Israelites to fight against the Ammonites.
What can we learn from the people of Jabesh-gilead's response to the Ammonites' attack?
The people of Jabesh-gilead's response to the Ammonites' attack teaches us the importance of seeking help from God and trusting in His power and sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. As seen in 1 Samuel 11:3, the people ask for a seven-day reprieve to seek help from the rest of Israel, demonstrating their dependence on God and their willingness to trust in His deliverance.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 11:1 → Judges 3:12-30 | The Ammonites' attack on Jabesh-gilead is similar to the attacks by other nations on Israel during the period of the judges, as seen in Judges 3:12-30. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 11:6 → Judges 6:34 | The Spirit of God coming upon Saul is similar to the Spirit of God coming upon Gideon in Judges 6:34, empowering him to lead the Israelites to victory. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 11:11 → 2 Samuel 8:1-14 | The Israelites' defeat of the Ammonites is similar to David's defeat of the Ammonites in 2 Samuel 8:1-14, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty over the nations. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 11:12 → Luke 9:54-56 | The people's desire to kill those who had doubted Saul is similar to the disciples' desire to call down fire on the Samaritans who rejected Jesus, as seen in Luke 9:54-56. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 11:13 → Matthew 5:38-42 | Saul's prevention of the people from killing those who had doubted him is similar to Jesus' teaching on loving one's enemies and turning the other cheek, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 11:14 → Deuteronomy 17:14-20 | The Israelites' reaffirmation of Saul as their king is similar to the instructions in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, which provide guidelines for the king of Israel. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 11:15 → 1 Chronicles 16:1-6 | The people's offering of sacrifices to God is similar to the sacrifices offered by David in 1 Chronicles 16:1-6, demonstrating their gratitude and worship of God. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 11:1-15 → Acts 13:21-22 | The establishment of Saul as king is a significant event in the history of Israel, as seen in Acts 13:21-22, which provides a brief summary of Saul's reign. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 11:6 → Romans 8:14 | The Spirit of God coming upon Saul is similar to the Spirit of God leading the sons of God, as seen in Romans 8:14. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 11:11 → Hebrews 2:10 | The Israelites' defeat of the Ammonites is similar to the victory of Christ over sin and death, as seen in Hebrews 2:10, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty over all things. |
Sermons on 1 Samuel 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) Saul’s Wise Early Years by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the concept of the inward battle and the outward battle. He shares a personal anecdote about watching his son play soccer and how |
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Come Let Us Go to Gilgal, and Renew by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of renewing our commitment to Jesus as our King, drawing parallels from the Israelites' journey to Gilgal after Saul's victory. He highlights t |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 11
In this chapter, we see the Lord's providence in the attack of the Ammonites upon Jabesh-gilead, and the deliverance of the city by the valor of Saul. The Spirit of God comes mightily upon Saul, and he becomes another man, full of courage and resolution. The people of Jabesh-gilead are saved, and the Ammonites are defeated. This event is a great encouragement to the people of God, and a demonstration of the Lord's power and sovereignty. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he was turned into another man, 1 Samuel 11:6. He that was so bashful and timorous, is now bold and courageous, and fits to be a king.' This is a great example of the power of the Holy Spirit to transform and empower God's people for service and leadership. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, including the attack by the Ammonites and the victory of the Israelites. This is evident in 1 Samuel 11:6, where the Spirit of God comes upon Saul.
Human Fear and Faith
The people of Jabesh-gilead and the rest of Israel exhibit fear and doubt when they hear about the Ammonites' attack. However, when Saul steps forward in faith, the people are encouraged and follow him into battle.
Leadership and Obedience
Saul's leadership and the people's obedience to him are crucial to the Israelites' victory. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and the need for followers to trust and obey their leaders.