Question 1

Who was Nahash the Ammonite and what did he want from Jabesh-gilead?

Accepted Answer

Nahash was a leader of the Ammonites who attacked the city of Jabesh-gilead. When the people asked to make a covenant and serve him, he gave a very harsh answer. He said he would agree only if he could gouge out everyone’s right eye. This was not just personal cruelty. It was meant to shame all Israel and weaken them so they could not fight well in the future. His demand shows how low Israel’s courage had fallen and how ruthless their enemies could be.

Question 2

Why did the men of Jabesh-gilead ask for seven days before surrendering?

Accepted Answer

The elders of Jabesh-gilead knew they could not beat Nahash by themselves, so they asked for seven days to send messengers through Israel. They hoped someone would come to save them. This shows how desperate they were, but also that they still looked for help from the rest of God’s people instead of giving up at once. Nahash agreed, likely because he was confident they had no strength and no leader. God used this delay to give time for the news to reach Saul and for help to be raised.

Question 3

What does it mean that the Spirit of God came upon Saul in this story?

Accepted Answer

When the news of Jabesh-gilead’s danger reached Saul, the passage says the Spirit of God came upon him and his anger burned greatly. This means God gave him a special strength and courage for this moment. Saul had been living quietly, even after being chosen as king, but now God stirred him to act like a true leader. His anger was not selfish rage. It was a right anger against cruelty and shame brought on God’s people. This Spirit-given boldness moved him to call Israel together and lead them into rescue.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them in pieces, and sent the parts through Israel with a warning: anyone who did not come out to follow Saul and Samuel would have his oxen treated the same way. This shocking act showed how serious the danger was and how urgent their response needed to be. It was a strong call to unity. The passage says the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together. So God used this sign to stir the nation and bring them out as one to defend their brothers.

Question 5

How did God use Saul’s leadership to rescue Jabesh-gilead?

Accepted Answer

God worked through Saul in several clear steps. First, God’s Spirit moved Saul’s heart when he heard the cries of Jabesh-gilead. Then Saul boldly called all Israel to gather, and God caused the people to fear the Lord and unite under him. Saul counted the troops, promised the men of Jabesh that help would come the next day, and planned a surprise attack by dividing the army into three groups. They struck early in the morning and beat the Ammonites so badly that the enemy scattered. This shows God guiding both the courage and the plan.

Question 6

What is the meaning of the threat to thrust out the right eyes of the men of Jabesh-gilead?

Accepted Answer

Taking out the right eye was meant to do two things. First, it would shame the people of Jabesh-gilead and, through them, all Israel. Everyone would see they were beaten and dishonored. Second, it would make them weaker in battle, since the right eye was important for using weapons and shields. So Nahash’s demand pictured both deep humiliation and lasting weakness. The story warns how low God’s people can sink when they lose faith, but also shows how God steps in so that such shame is not carried out when they turn to Him for help.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s deliverance and human weakness?

Accepted Answer

This story starts with fear and weakness. Jabesh-gilead is ready to surrender, and the people of Israel weep when they hear the news. They feel helpless. Yet God does not leave them there. He sends His Spirit on Saul, gives him courage, and brings the whole nation together. The victory over the Ammonites makes it clear that God can change a hopeless situation quickly. At the same time, people still have a part to play. Saul must act, the people must gather, and they must follow through. God’s power and their obedience work together.

Question 8

How can the events in this passage guide believers facing threats today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that when God’s people face pressure or shame, the first answer is not to give up or make peace with what is wrong. The men of Jabesh looked for help from the wider people of God, and God raised up a leader filled with His Spirit. For believers today, that means bringing trouble to God, seeking help from His people, and trusting that He can give wisdom and courage at the right time. It also encourages standing together, not leaving others to suffer alone, but uniting to protect and restore those in danger.

Question 9

Why were the people of Israel able to unite “as one man” in this story?

Accepted Answer

On their own, the tribes of Israel were often divided and slow to act. Here something different happens. After Saul sends out the pieces of the oxen with his warning, the passage says the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. Their unity was not just from strong words, but from God working in their hearts. They realized this was about more than one city. It was about God’s honor and the safety of all His people. That shared concern, stirred by God, drew them together in a way they had been lacking.

1 Samuel 11:1

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.

Saul Defeats the Ammonites

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1 Samuel 11:1

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.

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Saul Defeats the Ammonites

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