1
Then Nahash the Ammonite advanced and encamped against Jabesh-gilead, surrounding it. And all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.”
2
But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make a covenant with you: that I may gouge out the right eye of every one of you, and thus bring disgrace upon all Israel.”
3
The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers throughout all the territory of Israel; and if there is no one to save us, then we will come out and surrender to you.”
4
When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and reported these words to the people, all the people lifted up their voices and wept.
5
Now Saul had just come from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh.
6
When Saul heard these words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and his anger burned greatly.
7
He took a pair of oxen, cut them in pieces, and sent the pieces throughout all the territory of Israel by messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” Then the LORD put fear upon the people, and they came out as one man.
8
When Saul mustered them at Bezek, there were three hundred thousand men of Israel and thirty thousand men of Judah.
9
And they said to the messengers who had come, “Thus shall you say to the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the heat of the sun, deliverance will come to you.’” When the messengers came and told this to the men of Jabesh, they rejoiced.
10
Then the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good in your eyes.”
11
On the next day Saul divided the people into three companies. They came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day; and those who remained were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.
12
Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.”
13
But Saul said, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.”
14
And 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 there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly there.
🛡️⚔️👑 Summary of 1 Samuel 11 – Saul Delivers Jabesh and Is Accepted as King
1 Samuel 11 shows Saul’s first heroic act as king. When the city of Jabesh-gilead was besieged by Nahash the Ammonite, Saul, who had previously been doubted, emerged as a bold leader filled with the Spirit of the LORD. He united Israel, defeated the enemy, and received full recognition from the people. This chapter shows that true leadership is seen in action, not merely in title.
📌 1. Nahash Besieges Jabesh-gilead (verses 1–3)
➡️ Nahash, king of Ammon, besieged the city of Jabesh
➡️ The inhabitants asked for a peace treaty, but Nahash demanded:
“I will gouge out the right eye of every man… to bring disgrace on all Israel.”
➡️ They asked for 7 days to seek help
🎯 Spiritual enemies often intimidate with demands that humiliate.
📌 2. Saul Hears and the Spirit of the LORD Comes upon Him (verses 4–6)
➡️ When the news reached Gibeah, Saul heard it and the Spirit of the LORD came upon him
➡️ He burned with righteous anger, then cut up an ox and sent the pieces throughout all Israel
🎯 Right anger can become a divine impulse to defend the weak.
📌 3. Saul Leads the Army and Defeats Ammon (verses 7–11)
➡️ Saul gathered 330,000 men and attacked in the morning
➡️ Israel defeated the Ammonites decisively; they were scattered
🎯 When filled with the Spirit of the LORD, a leader can bring great victory.
📌 4. Saul Confirmed as King (verses 12–15)
➡️ Some people had once looked down on Saul, and the people wanted to kill them
➡️ But Saul said: “Today the Lord has given victory… do not kill anyone.”
➡️ Samuel brought all the people to Gilgal, and Saul was publicly confirmed as king
🎯 A true leader does not take revenge, but brings reconciliation and peace.
📖 Main Lessons
- Great challenges can become a stage for a true spiritual leader
- The Spirit of the Lord gives courage and strategy in facing enemies
- Victory from the Lord confirms leadership and unites the nation
- Forgiveness and humility are stronger than revenge
- Concrete action is stronger than merely holding an office
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
📖 Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
➡️ Saul refused to take revenge on those who had previously insulted him.
📖 2 Corinthians 10:4
“Our weapons are not worldly weapons, but weapons equipped with the power of God.”
➡️ Saul fought not by military strength alone, but by the Spirit of the Lord.
📖 Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
➡️ Saul united Israel in a peaceful way and glorified God.
📖 James 1:19–20
“Human anger does not produce the righteousness of God.”
➡️ But Saul’s anger was holy anger, led by the Holy Spirit for good.
🕊️ “The Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul…” – 1 Samuel 11:6
🕊️ “Today the LORD has granted victory…” – 1 Samuel 11:13
🕊️ “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.” – 1 Samuel 11:14
🕊️ “Saul’s anger was greatly aroused…” – 1 Samuel 11:6
