1 Samuel 11:11

The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together.

Study Bible

The next day
This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and immediacy in Saul's actions. The Hebrew word for "day" is "yom," which can signify a literal day or a period of time. Here, it emphasizes the promptness of Saul's response to the threat posed by the Ammonites, reflecting his decisive leadership and the divine timing in God's plan for Israel.

Saul organized the troops
Saul's ability to organize the troops demonstrates his emerging role as a leader. The Hebrew root for "organized" is "shaphat," which can also mean to judge or govern. This suggests that Saul is stepping into his God-given role as king, exercising authority and wisdom in military strategy.

into three divisions
The division of troops into three parts is a strategic military tactic. Historically, dividing forces allowed for more effective maneuvers and surprise attacks. This tactic is reminiscent of Gideon's strategy in Judges 7:16, where God used a small, divided force to achieve victory, highlighting the theme of divine intervention and wisdom in battle.

During the morning watch
The "morning watch" refers to the last third of the night, from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. This time was often chosen for surprise attacks due to the enemy's vulnerability. The Hebrew term "ashmoret" signifies a time of vigilance and readiness, symbolizing spiritual alertness and the importance of being prepared for God's call to action.

they invaded the camp of the Ammonites
The Ammonites were a perennial enemy of Israel, often representing opposition to God's people. The Hebrew word for "invaded" is "bo," meaning to enter or come in. This invasion signifies not only a physical attack but also a spiritual breakthrough, as God's chosen leader confronts and overcomes the forces of darkness.

and slaughtered them until the heat of the day
The phrase "slaughtered them" uses the Hebrew "nakah," meaning to strike or smite. This indicates a decisive victory granted by God. The "heat of the day" suggests the battle was intense and prolonged, yet God's strength sustained Israel, echoing the theme of divine empowerment in the face of overwhelming odds.

The survivors were so scattered
The scattering of the survivors signifies total defeat and disarray among the Ammonites. The Hebrew root "puwts" means to disperse or scatter, often used in the context of divine judgment. This scattering fulfills God's promise to protect and deliver His people from their enemies.

that no two of them were left together
This final phrase underscores the completeness of the victory. The Hebrew concept of "together" is "yachad," meaning united or joined. The disunity among the Ammonites contrasts with the unity and divine favor experienced by Israel, reinforcing the biblical principle that God blesses and strengthens those who are united in His purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. In this passage, he demonstrates leadership and military strategy.

2. The Ammonites
A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. They were led by Nahash, who threatened the people of Jabesh-gilead.

3. Jabesh-gilead
A city in Israel that was under siege by the Ammonites. The people of Jabesh-gilead sent messengers to Saul for help.

4. The Israelites
The people of God, who were united under Saul's leadership to defend their fellow Israelites in Jabesh-gilead.

5. The Morning Watch
A time reference indicating the early hours of the morning, a strategic time for launching a surprise attack.

Teaching Points

God’s Empowerment for Leadership
Saul’s ability to organize and lead the troops effectively is a reminder that God equips those He calls. We should seek God’s guidance and strength in our leadership roles.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The Israelites came together to defend Jabesh-gilead, illustrating the importance of unity among believers. We are called to support and defend one another in times of need.

Strategic Action in Spiritual Warfare
Just as Saul used strategy in battle, we are called to be wise and strategic in our spiritual battles, using the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6.

God’s Deliverance
The victory over the Ammonites is a testament to God’s faithfulness in delivering His people. We can trust in God’s promises and His power to save us from our adversaries.

The Importance of Obedience
Saul’s success was rooted in his obedience to God’s calling. Our victories in life are often tied to our willingness to follow God’s instructions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul’s leadership in this passage reflect God’s empowerment, and how can we apply this to our own leadership roles today?

2. In what ways does the unity of the Israelites in defending Jabesh-gilead inspire us to foster unity within our own communities and churches?

3. What strategies can we employ in our spiritual lives to effectively combat the challenges and temptations we face, drawing parallels to Saul’s military strategy?

4. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God’s deliverance in our personal battles, and what other biblical examples reinforce this trust?

5. Reflect on a time when obedience to God led to a significant victory in your life. How can this passage encourage you to continue walking in obedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 7
The account of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites, which also involved a surprise attack during the night, demonstrating God’s deliverance through strategic warfare.

1 Samuel 10
Saul’s anointing as king, which sets the stage for his leadership in this battle.

Exodus 14
The Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, highlighting God’s power to save His people against overwhelming odds.