Chapter 11
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.
2And 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.
3And 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.
4Then 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.
5And, 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.
6And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
7And 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.
8And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.
9And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, 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.
10Therefore 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.
11And 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.
12And 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.
13And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.
14Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
15And 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.
“And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.”
Overview
Nahash the Ammonite besieges Jabesh-gilead and offers humiliating terms: he will gouge out everyone's right eye. When the news reaches Saul, the Spirit of God comes upon him powerfully. He rallies all Israel by cutting oxen into pieces and sending them throughout the land. Saul leads a devastating surprise attack against the Ammonites, rescuing Jabesh-gilead. In the aftermath of victory, Saul magnanimously refuses to punish those who doubted him, and Samuel leads the nation in renewing the kingdom at Gilgal.
Key Themes
The Spirit Empowers for Righteous Action
When the Spirit comes upon Saul, his anger is directed outward against injustice — this is the kind of holy anger God can use for deliverance.
A King Proving His Worth
Saul's decisive action at Jabesh-gilead validates his kingship in the eyes of Israel, demonstrating that true leadership proves itself in service and protection of the vulnerable.
Grace in Victory
Saul's refusal to execute those who had scorned him shows remarkable grace and magnanimity — attributes that sadly will not characterize his later reign.
Study Questions
How does Saul's response to the crisis at Jabesh-gilead (vv. 6-7) reveal the best of his character?
What does Saul's rallying of all Israel demonstrate about the unifying potential of godly kingship?
Why is Saul's refusal to punish his detractors (v. 13) significant, and how does it contrast with his later behavior?
What does Saul's declaration — 'the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel' (v. 13) — reveal about his understanding at this point?
How does the renewal of the kingdom at Gilgal (v. 15) set the stage for what follows in Samuel's farewell address?
Connection to Christ
Saul at his best — moved by the Spirit to rescue the oppressed and gracious toward enemies — gives a glimpse of the king Israel truly needed. Yet even this high point is temporary. Only Christ, moved by the Spirit permanently, rescues His people from the ultimate oppressor and shows perfect grace to those who rejected Him, praying 'Father, forgive them' from the cross (Luke 23:34).
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through 1 Samuel 11. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?