1 Samuel 11:9

So they said to the messengers who had come, "Tell the men of Jabesh-gilead: 'Deliverance will be yours tomorrow by the time the sun is hot.'" And when the messengers relayed this to the men of Jabesh, they rejoiced.

Study Bible

So they said to the messengers who had come
This phrase sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The "messengers" were sent by the people of Jabesh Gilead, who were under threat from Nahash the Ammonite. The Hebrew word for "messengers" is מַלְאָכִים (mal'akhim), which can also mean "angels" or "envoys." This dual meaning underscores the urgency and divine significance of their mission. The messengers were not just bearers of news; they were instruments of God's unfolding plan for deliverance.

Tell the men of Jabesh Gilead
Jabesh Gilead was a city east of the Jordan River, historically linked to the tribe of Manasseh. The phrase "men of Jabesh Gilead" highlights the communal nature of the threat they faced. In ancient Israel, cities were often identified by their leading men, who represented the collective concerns and hopes of their people. This call to the "men" signifies a rallying of the community, emphasizing the importance of unity and leadership in times of crisis.

Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot
This phrase is a promise of imminent deliverance. The reference to "the sun is hot" indicates the time of day when the sun reaches its zenith, typically around noon. In the Hebrew context, this was a time of clarity and revelation, when shadows are shortest and the light is brightest. The promise of deliverance "tomorrow" speaks to the certainty and immediacy of God's intervention. It reassures the people of Jabesh Gilead that their suffering will soon end, reflecting God's faithfulness and the reliability of His promises.

you will be delivered
The Hebrew root for "delivered" is יָשַׁע (yasha), which means to save or rescue. This word is foundational in the Old Testament, often used to describe God's saving acts. The promise of deliverance is not just a military victory but a divine act of salvation. It points to the broader theme of God's redemptive work throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. This assurance of deliverance is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to His people.

When the messengers went and reported this to the men of Jabesh
The act of reporting is crucial in the narrative. The messengers, having received the promise of deliverance, faithfully convey it to the people of Jabesh Gilead. This transmission of hope is a testament to the power of God's word and the importance of faithful communication. The messengers' role is akin to that of prophets, who bear God's message to His people, encouraging them to trust in His promises.

they rejoiced
The response of the people of Jabesh Gilead is one of joy and relief. The Hebrew word for "rejoiced" is שָׂמַח (samach), which conveys a deep, exuberant joy. This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in the assurance of God's deliverance. It reflects the biblical theme that true joy comes from trusting in God's promises and experiencing His salvation. The rejoicing of the people is a foretaste of the joy that believers experience in Christ, who delivers us from sin and death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who leads the Israelites to victory against the Ammonites.

2. Messengers
Individuals sent from Jabesh Gilead to seek help from the Israelites against the Ammonite threat.

3. Jabesh Gilead
A city in Israel under threat from the Ammonites, seeking deliverance.

4. Ammonites
A neighboring nation threatening Jabesh Gilead, led by Nahash.

5. Israelites
The people of God, who rally under Saul's leadership to deliver Jabesh Gilead.

Teaching Points

God's Timing in Deliverance
God's promise of deliverance comes with a specific timing, "by the time the sun is hot," reminding us to trust in His perfect timing for our own deliverance.

Unity and Leadership
Saul's leadership unites the Israelites, demonstrating the importance of godly leadership and unity in facing challenges.

Rejoicing in God's Promises
The men of Jabesh Gilead rejoiced upon hearing the promise of deliverance, teaching us to find joy and hope in God's promises even before they are fulfilled.

Faith in Action
The response of the Israelites to Saul's call to arms shows the necessity of faith accompanied by action in the face of adversity.

God's Faithfulness
This event underscores God's faithfulness to His people, encouraging us to rely on His promises and past faithfulness in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of the men of Jabesh Gilead to the promise of deliverance reflect our own response to God's promises in our lives?

2. In what ways does Saul's leadership in this chapter serve as a model for godly leadership today?

3. How can we apply the principle of unity seen in this passage to our local church or community?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to trust in God's timing for deliverance?

5. How does the account of deliverance in 1 Samuel 11:9 connect with other biblical accounts of God's faithfulness, and how can these connections strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 21
Provides background on Jabesh Gilead, highlighting its previous isolation from Israel, which makes their plea for help significant.

1 Samuel 10
Describes Saul's anointing as king, setting the stage for his leadership in this chapter.

Exodus 14
The deliverance of Israel from Egypt parallels the deliverance of Jabesh Gilead, showcasing God's faithfulness in rescuing His people.

Psalm 18
A psalm of deliverance that echoes the themes of God's salvation and strength in times of trouble.