Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Just then Saul was returning from the fields, behind his oxen, and he asked, “What is wrong with everyone? Why are they weeping?” Then they repeated to him what the men of Jabesh had said. New Living Translation Saul had been plowing a field with his oxen, and when he returned to town, he asked, “What’s the matter? Why is everyone crying?” So they told him about the message from Jabesh. English Standard Version Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh. Berean Standard Bible Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. Berean Literal Bible And there was Saul coming behind the herd from the field, and Saul said, “What is to the people, that they weep?” And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Now there was Saul, coming behind the herd from the field; and Saul said, “What troubles the people, that they weep?” And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. New American Standard Bible Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and Saul said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they reported to him the words of the men of Jabesh. NASB 1995 Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh. NASB 1977 Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen; and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh. Legacy Standard Bible Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they recounted to him the words of the men of Jabesh. Amplified Bible Now Saul was coming out of the field behind the oxen, and he said, “What is the matter with the people that they are weeping?” So they told him about the report of the men of Jabesh. Berean Annotated Bible Just then Saul (desired) was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people? asked Saul. “Why are they weeping? And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh (dry). Christian Standard Bible Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. “What’s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping? ” Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh. Holman Christian Standard Bible Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind his oxen. “What’s the matter with the people? Why are they weeping?” Saul inquired, and they repeated to him the words of the men from Jabesh. American Standard Version And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. Contemporary English Version Just then, Saul came in from the fields, walking behind his oxen. "Why is everyone crying?" Saul asked. They told him what the men from Jabesh had said. English Revised Version And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. GOD'S WORD® Translation Just then Saul was coming from the field behind some oxen. "Why are these people crying?" Saul asked. So they told him the news about the men of Jabesh. Good News Translation Saul was just then coming in from the field with his oxen, and he asked, "What's wrong? Why is everyone crying?" They told him what the messengers from Jabesh had reported. International Standard Version Just then Saul was coming in from the field behind the oxen and he said, "What's with the people? Why are they crying?" They reported to him what the men of Jabesh had said. NET Bible Now Saul was walking behind the oxen as he came from the field. Saul asked, "What has happened to the people? Why are they weeping?" So they told him about the men of Jabesh. New Heart English Bible Look, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, "What ails the people that they weep?" They told him the words of the men of Jabesh. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJust then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. World English Bible Behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said, “What ails the people that they weep?” They told him the words of the men of Jabesh. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand behold, Saul has come out of the field after the herd, and Saul says, “What [is that] to the people, that they weep?” And they recount the words of the men of Jabesh to him. Berean Literal Bible And there was Saul coming behind the herd from the field, and Saul said, “What is to the people, that they weep?” And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. Young's Literal Translation and lo, Saul hath come after the herd out of the field, and Saul saith, 'What -- to the people, that they weep?' and they recount to him the words of the men of Jabesh. Smith's Literal Translation And behold, Saul came after the cattle from the field; and Saul will say, What to the people that they will weep? and they will recount to him the words of the men of Jabesh. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd behold Saul came, following oxen out of the field, and he said: What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Jabes. Catholic Public Domain Version And behold, Saul arrived, following oxen from the field. And he said, “What has happened to the people that they would weep?” And they explained to him the words of the men from Jabesh. New American Bible Just then Saul came in from the field, behind his oxen. “Why are the people weeping?” he asked. They repeated the message of the inhabitants of Jabesh for him. New Revised Standard Version Now Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen; and Saul said, “What is the matter with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the message from the inhabitants of Jabesh. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd, behold, Saul was coming behind the oxen from the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they are weeping? And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And behold, Shaul came after the oxen from the field, and Shaul said: “What is it with the people, that they weep?” And they related to him the words of the men of Lakish OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And, behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field; and Saul said: 'What aileth the people that they weep?' And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. Brenton Septuagint Translation And, behold, Saul came after the early morning out of the field: and Saul said, Why does the people week? and they tell him the words of the men of Jabis. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Defeats the Ammonites…4When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. 5Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. 6When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger.… Cross References Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. 1 Kings 19:19-21 So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Judges 6:11-12 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. Joshua 7:7-9 “O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! / O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? / When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” Judges 20:26-28 Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. / And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, / and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” Nehemiah 2:2 so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear “Why are they weeping?” Genesis 37:34-35 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. 2 Samuel 1:11-12 Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. Esther 4:1-3 When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. / But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate. / In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. 1 Samuel 31:11-13 When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, / all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. / Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. 2 Samuel 2:4-7 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” / So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this. … 2 Samuel 21:12-14 he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. / So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, and they also gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. / And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. 1 Samuel 10:26-27 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. / But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. 1 Samuel 15:17 And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel 1 Samuel 17:34-37 David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” … 2 Samuel 7:8 Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. Treasury of Scripture And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What ails the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. after the herd 1 Samuel 9:1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. 1 Kings 19:19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. Psalm 78:71 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. What aileth thee Genesis 21:17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Judges 18:23 And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company? Isaiah 22:1 The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops? Jump to Previous Aileth Ails Driving Herd Jabesh Matter Oxen Recount Related Returning Saul Tidings Weep Weeping Word Words WrongJump to Next Aileth Ails Driving Herd Jabesh Matter Oxen Recount Related Returning Saul Tidings Weep Weeping Word Words Wrong1 Samuel 11 1. Nahash offers them of Jabesh Gilead a reproachful condition4. They send messengers, and are delivered by Saul 12. Saul thereby is confirmed, and his kingdom renewed Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. This phrase highlights Saul's humble beginnings and his connection to agrarian life, reflecting the simplicity and humility often associated with biblical leaders before their rise to power. Saul, though anointed as king, was still engaged in everyday labor, indicating the transitional period of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. This setting underscores the contrast between Saul's current life and his future role as king. The use of oxen for plowing fields was common in ancient Israel, emphasizing the agricultural society of the time. “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. “Why are they weeping?” And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point, Saul is still living a relatively ordinary life, working in the fields. 2. The People The Israelites who are distressed and weeping due to the threat posed by Nahash the Ammonite against Jabesh-gilead. 3. Jabesh-gilead A city in Israel under threat from Nahash the Ammonite, leading to the distress of the people. 4. Nahash the Ammonite The king of the Ammonites who besieged Jabesh-gilead, demanding harsh terms for surrender. 5. The Field Represents Saul's humble beginnings and his connection to the common people, as he was working in the field when he heard the news. Teaching Points God's Timing and PreparationSaul's presence in the field at the right moment shows God's providential timing. God often prepares us in ordinary circumstances for extraordinary tasks. Leadership and Empathy Saul's immediate concern for the people's distress demonstrates a key quality of leadership: empathy. Leaders should be attentive to the needs and emotions of those they lead. Responding to Crisis The people's weeping and Saul's inquiry highlight the importance of addressing crises with urgency and compassion. In times of distress, seeking understanding and taking action are crucial. The Role of Community The collective distress of the people underscores the importance of community in facing challenges. Believers are called to support one another in times of need. Divine Calling in Everyday Life Saul's transition from fieldwork to leadership illustrates how God can call us from our daily routines to fulfill His purposes. We should remain open to God's calling in our everyday lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 11:5?2. How does Saul's reaction in 1 Samuel 11:5 demonstrate godly leadership qualities? 3. What does Saul's response teach about addressing community crises with God's guidance? 4. How can we apply Saul's example to modern-day leadership challenges? 5. How does 1 Samuel 11:5 connect to God's empowerment of leaders in Scripture? 6. What steps can we take to seek God's wisdom in urgent situations today? 7. What does 1 Samuel 11:5 reveal about Saul's leadership qualities and character? 8. How does 1 Samuel 11:5 fit into the historical context of Israel's monarchy? 9. What theological themes are present in 1 Samuel 11:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 11? 11. In 1 Samuel 11:5–7, is it historically plausible that Saul’s threat with the oxen pieces could mobilize such a large army so quickly? 12. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17? 13. In 1 Samuel 11:6, how can an invisible Spirit 'rush upon' Saul and make him so effective in leadership, given a skeptical view of supernatural involvement? 14. What key events shaped Saul's life and legacy? What Does 1 Samuel 11:5 Mean Just then Saul was returning from the field• Scripture presents Saul, though already anointed (1 Samuel 10:1), still living his normal agricultural life—much like David later tending sheep after his own anointing (1 Samuel 17:15). • God’s providence is clear: at the exact moment the nation needs leadership, Saul “just then” appears, echoing other timely arrivals in Scripture (Ruth 2:3–4; Esther 6:1). • The accuracy of the narrative underscores that God guides seemingly ordinary moments to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 16:9). behind his oxen • Saul’s humility is on display; he is literally following the oxen rather than driving people, paralleling Gideon threshing grain when called (Judges 6:11) and Elisha plowing when Elijah found him (1 Kings 19:19). • This servant posture anticipates Christ’s later model of servant-leadership (Mark 10:45). • It also reminds us that God often raises leaders from faithful, everyday work (Colossians 3:23–24). “What troubles the people?” asked Saul • Saul’s first instinct is pastoral: discern the flock’s distress (comp. Numbers 27:17; Ezekiel 34:2–4). • True leadership begins with awareness and concern, mirroring Solomon’s prayer for “an understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:9). • The question invites the people to share, fostering unity rather than command-and-control authority. “Why are they weeping?” • Tears signal a crisis; Saul recognizes emotional cues before facts—an example of Romans 12:15 in action (“weep with those who weep”). • Israel’s collective grief echoes earlier scenes: Israel wept at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10–12) and under Philistine oppression (1 Samuel 7:2), showing their recurring need for deliverance. • Compassion precedes action; Christ Himself was “moved with compassion” before miracles (Matthew 14:14). And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. • The messengers recount Nahash’s cruel demand (1 Samuel 11:1–4), tying Saul personally to the covenant people’s plight (cf. Judges 21:8–14, where Jabesh-gilead is spotlighted). • Communication enables corporate response; “bearing one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) begins with truthful reporting. • Their testimony sets the stage for the Spirit of God to rush upon Saul (1 Samuel 11:6), demonstrating that information coupled with godly zeal produces righteous action. summary 1 Samuel 11:5 illustrates God’s perfect timing, Saul’s humble vocation, his compassionate inquiry, and the pivotal information that sparks Israel’s first great deliverance under their new king. The verse highlights how ordinary faithfulness and attentive leadership align with divine providence to meet the urgent needs of God’s people. (5) And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field.--Saul was still busied with his old pursuits. At first this would seem strange, but it must be remembered that the regal authority was something quite new in republican Israel, and that the new king's duties and privileges at first were vague, and but little understood; besides which, jealousies, such as have already been noticed (1Samuel 10:27), no doubt induced Saul and his advisers to keep the royalty in the background till some opportunity for bringing it to the front should present itself. It is, therefore, quite to be understood that the newly-elected king should be spending at least a portion of his time in pursuits which hitherto had occupied his whole life. He was not the first hero summoned from agricultural labours to assume, in a national emergency, the command of an army. Gideon, we read, was called from the threshing-floor to do his great deeds; and to quote from profane history, one of the noblest of the sons of Rome, like Saul, was ploughing when the Senate fetched him to be the dictator and the general of their armies; and to the plough we know that that great man returned when his work was successfully accomplished and his country saved.Hebrew Just thenוְהִנֵּ֣ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! Saul שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites was returning בָּ֣א (bā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the field, הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land behind אַחֲרֵ֤י (’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition Strong's 310: The hind or following part his oxen. הַבָּקָר֙ (hab·bā·qār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd “What [troubles] מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what the people?” לָּעָ֖ם (lā·‘ām) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock asked וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say Saul. שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites “Why כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction are they weeping?” יִבְכּ֑וּ (yiḇ·kū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan And they relayed וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּ־ (way·sap·pə·rū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate to him ל֔וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew the words of דִּבְרֵ֖י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause the men אַנְשֵׁ֥י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 582: Man, mankind from Jabesh. יָבֵֽישׁ׃ (yā·ḇêš) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3003: Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite Links 1 Samuel 11:5 NIV1 Samuel 11:5 NLT 1 Samuel 11:5 ESV 1 Samuel 11:5 NASB 1 Samuel 11:5 KJV 1 Samuel 11:5 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 11:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 11:5 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 11:5 French Bible 1 Samuel 11:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 11:5 Behold Saul came following the oxen out (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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