1 Samuel 11

1Sa 11:1-4.

NAHASH

OFFERS

THEM OF

JABESH-GILEAD A

REPROACHFUL

CONDITION.

1. Then Nahash the Ammonite came up--Nahash ("serpent"); (see

Jud 8:3).

The Ammonites had long claimed the right of original possession in

Gilead. Though repressed by Jephthah

(Jud 11:33),

they now, after ninety years, renew their pretensions; and it was the

report of their threatened invasion that hastened the appointment of a

king

(1Sa 12:12).

Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee--They saw no prospect

of aid from the western Israelites, who were not only remote, but

scarcely able to repel the incursions of the Philistines from

themselves.

2. thrust out all your right eyes--literally, "scoop" or "hollow out"

the ball. This barbarous mutilation is the usual punishment of usurpers

in the East, inflicted on chiefs; sometimes, also, even in modern

history, on the whole male population of a town. Nahash meant to keep

the Jabeshites useful as tributaries, whence he did not wish to render

them wholly blind, but only to deprive them of their right eye, which

would disqualify them for war. Besides, his object was, through the

people of Jabesh-gilead, to insult the Israelitish nation.

3, 4. send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel--a curious proof

of the general dissatisfaction that prevailed as to the appointment of

Saul. Those Gileadites deemed him capable neither of advising nor

succoring them; and even in his own town the appeal was made to the

people--not to the prince.

1Sa 11:5-11.

THEY

SEND TO

SAUL, AND

ARE

DELIVERED.

7. he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces--(see

Jud 19:29).

This particular form of war-summons was suited to the character and

habits of an agricultural and pastoral people. Solemn in itself, the

denunciation that accompanied it carried a terrible threat to those

that neglected to obey it. Saul conjoins the name of Samuel with his

own, to lend the greater influence to the measure, and to strike

greater terror unto all contemners of the order. The small contingent

furnished by Judah suggests that the disaffection to Saul was strongest

in that tribe.

8. Bezek--This place of general muster was not far from Shechem, on

the road to Beth-shan, and nearly opposite the ford for crossing to

Jabesh-gilead. The great number on the muster-roll showed the effect of

Saul's wisdom and promptitude.

11. on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three

companies--Crossing the Jordan in the evening, Saul marched his

army all night, and came at daybreak on the camp of the Ammonites, who

were surprised in three different parts, and totally routed. This

happened before the seven days' truce expired.

1Sa 11:12-15.

SAUL

CONFIRMED

KING.

12-15. the people said . . ., Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign

over us?--The enthusiastic admiration of the people, under the

impulse of grateful and generous feelings, would have dealt summary

vengeance on the minority who opposed Saul, had not he, either from

principle or policy, shown himself as great in clemency as in valor.

The calm and sagacious counsel of Samuel directed the popular feelings

into a right channel, by appointing a general assembly of the militia,

the really effective force of the nation, at Gilgal, where, amid great

pomp and religious solemnities, the victorious leader was confirmed in

his kingdom

[1Sa 11:15].