Why did the men of Jabesh-gilead ask Nahash to make a covenant with them?

The men of Jabesh-gilead felt trapped and afraid when Nahash the Ammonite surrounded their city. Instead of trusting God and preparing to fight, they offered to serve Nahash if he would make a covenant with them. This shows how weak and discouraged Israel had become. They did not expect help from the other tribes and were ready to give up their freedom just to stay alive. Their request also sets the stage for God to step in and save them through Saul.

What is the meaning of Nahash wanting to thrust out all their right eyes?

Nahash’s demand to put out everyone’s right eye was not only cruel, it was meant to shame and weaken Israel. Losing the right eye would make it hard to fight in battle, especially when using a shield and weapons. Nahash wanted more than control; he wanted Israel to be marked with disgrace. He said this would be a reproach on all Israel, so the whole nation would feel humiliated. This shows how dark the situation was and how badly the people needed God’s rescue.

Why did the Spirit of God come upon Saul and make him very angry?

When Saul heard what Nahash planned to do to Jabesh-gilead, the Spirit of God came on him and his anger burned. This was not selfish anger but a right anger against cruelty and against Israel’s fear and shame. God was stirring Saul to act as the king He had chosen. The Spirit gave him courage, boldness, and wisdom to lead. Saul’s strong reaction shows that God cares about His people’s suffering and can use human anger, when it is right, to move someone to protect others.

Why did Saul cut up the oxen and send the pieces through Israel?

Saul cut a yoke of oxen into pieces and sent them throughout Israel as a strong call to action. He warned that anyone who refused to follow him and Samuel to battle would have their oxen treated the same way. This shocking sign showed how serious the crisis was and reminded the people of their duty to stand together. The fear of the Lord fell on them, and they came out as one. It was a way for Saul to unite the tribes quickly under God’s help to rescue Jabesh-gilead.

What does it mean that the fear of the LORD fell on the people?

When the fear of the Lord fell on the people, it means God worked in their hearts so they took Saul’s summons seriously and responded together. They were not just scared of losing their animals; they felt a deep sense of God’s presence and authority. This moved them to obey and gather for battle. The people came out “with one consent,” or like one person. This shows that real unity among God’s people comes when they respect Him and respond to His call together.

How did Saul’s victory over the Ammonites confirm him as king?

Saul gathered a large army, divided the troops into three groups, and attacked the Ammonites during the morning watch. God gave them such success that the enemy was scattered, with hardly two left together. This clear rescue of Jabesh-gilead showed everyone that God was with Saul and that he could lead them in battle. After the victory, the people wanted to punish those who had doubted Saul, but he refused and pointed to the Lord’s salvation. Then they went to Gilgal, made him king before the Lord, and rejoiced together.

Why did Saul refuse to kill those who had questioned his kingship?

After the victory, some people wanted to find those who had earlier said Saul should not rule and put them to death. Saul refused and said that no one would die that day because the Lord had brought salvation to Israel. He would not turn a day of rescue and joy into a day of revenge. This shows a humble and merciful side of Saul early in his reign. He gave glory to God for the victory and chose unity and peace instead of settling old scores.

What does it mean that the people went to Gilgal to renew the kingdom?

Going to Gilgal to renew the kingdom means the people gathered to confirm and strengthen what God had already begun with Saul’s kingship. Saul had been chosen earlier, but now, after God’s clear help in battle, the nation publicly agreed and made him king before the Lord. They offered peace offerings and rejoiced. This renewal was both political and spiritual, tying their new king to God’s rule over them. It was a fresh start, with the people, their king, and their worship all brought together.

What does this passage teach about God’s character and help in crisis?

This passage shows that God does not leave His people when they are weak, afraid, or threatened. Even when Israel was low in courage and ready to give in, God raised up a leader, filled him with His Spirit, and brought the tribes together. God turned a day that looked like it would bring shame into a day of rescue and joy. It teaches that God hears the cries of His people, works through human leaders, and is able to save when the situation seems hopeless.

1Sam.11.1

1 Samuel 11:1

KJV

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

Saul Defeats the Ammonites

1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: 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 Jabesh-gilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed 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.

Saul Confirmed as King

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.

Cross References

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