Berean Study Bible Saul Defeats the AmmonitesNahash, whose name means “serpent” or “snake,” was king of the Ammonites, descendants of Lot who occupied territory east of the Jordan. The Ammonites had long opposed Israel and sought to expand their power into Israelite lands. 1Sa 10:27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?”… and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. Jabesh-gilead stood in Gilead east of the Jordan and was exposed to attack from Ammonite territory. Nahash’s assault threatened an Israelite city that lacked immediate protection from a united national force. 1Sa 31:11-13 When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines… All the men of Jabesh said to him, Facing siege and possible destruction, the leaders and fighting men of Jabesh sought terms rather than risk the city’s ruin. 1Ki 20:31-32 Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, … “Make a treaty with us, They were willing to accept an agreement that would place the city under Ammonite authority in exchange for survival. Jos 9:6 They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said… and we will serve you.” Their offer meant submission to Nahash as vassals, likely involving tribute and obedience. The crisis revealed Israel’s need for decisive leadership and became the occasion for Saul to act as deliverer of the people. Jos 9:8-11 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua.… But Nahash the Ammonite replied, Nahash, whose name means “serpent,” ruled the Ammonites, descendants of Lot who had long opposed Israel. His demand came as Jabesh-gilead faced a powerful enemy and lacked immediate help. 1Sa 12:12 But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites… “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, He offered peace only as submission. Rather than granting honorable terms, he sought to secure Ammonite control through a degrading covenant. Jos 9:15 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live… that I may put out everyone’s right eye The mutilation would cripple the men for warfare, particularly since a soldier’s shield commonly protected the left side while the right eye was needed to see and fight effectively. Nahash intended to leave the city unable to resist future attacks. Zec 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock!… and bring reproach upon all Israel.” His purpose reached beyond Jabesh-gilead. By humiliating its men, Nahash meant to disgrace Israel publicly and expose the nation as weak before its enemies. Psa 44:13-14 You have made us a reproach to our neighbors… “Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, Besieged by Nahash the Ammonite, the city’s leaders sought a brief delay before accepting his terms. Their request reveals both the city’s weakness and their hope that help might yet come. 1Sa 10:8 And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely… “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. Israel still depended on cooperation among its tribes for defense. The messengers carried Jabesh-gilead’s plea beyond the Jordan, bringing the crisis to Saul and opening the way for national action. 2Sa 15:10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel… If there is no one to save us, The elders recognized that Jabesh could not resist Nahash alone. They looked for a deliverer from among Israel, though their need ultimately depended on God’s provision. Isa 59:16 He saw that there was no man; He was amazed.… we will surrender to you.” Surrender meant submitting to Nahash’s cruel demand that the men of Jabesh lose their right eyes, bringing disgrace upon Israel as well as suffering upon the city. Deu 20:11 If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates… When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul Gibeah, in Benjamin, was Saul’s hometown and the place from which he exercised leadership as Israel’s newly chosen king. The arrival of the messengers there brought the crisis at Jabesh-gilead directly to Saul’s community and placed the need for national action before Israel. 2Sa 21:6 let seven of his male descendants be delivered… and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, The report described Nahash the Ammonite’s threat to subject the people of Jabesh-gilead to humiliation and oppression. By announcing it publicly, the messengers appealed to the tribes of Israel for help in a time when the nation still depended greatly on shared tribal responsibility. 2Ki 23:2 And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people… they all wept aloud. The people understood the seriousness of Jabesh-gilead’s danger and mourned over their apparent helplessness. Their grief reveals both the severity of the Ammonite threat and Israel’s need for decisive leadership, which Saul would soon provide through God’s empowerment. Ezr 3:13 The people could not distinguish the shouts of joy… Just then Saul was returning from the field, behind his oxen. Although anointed as king, Saul was still engaged in the ordinary work of an Israelite farmer. Israel had not yet developed the institutions of a settled monarchy, and Saul’s return from the field contrasts sharply with the royal responsibility about to fall upon him. 1Ki 19:19-21 So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat.… “What troubles the people?” asked Saul. Saul immediately noticed the public grief and sought its cause. He had not yet heard of the crisis, but his concern for the people begins to reveal the duty he would assume as Israel’s king. Jos 7:7-9 “O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever…”… “Why are they weeping?” The people’s mourning reflected the severity of the threat facing Jabesh-gilead. Their distress showed Israel’s vulnerability before its enemies and the urgent need for deliverance. Gen 37:34-35 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist,… And they relayed to him the words of the men from Jabesh. Saul learned that Nahash the Ammonite had besieged Jabesh-gilead and demanded terms intended to shame and cripple its people. The report became the occasion for Saul to lead Israel in defense of its fellow Israelites and to act as the deliverer God had appointed. 1Sa 31:11-13 When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines… When Saul heard their words, Saul received the report of Jabesh-gilead’s desperate appeal for deliverance from Nahash the Ammonite. Though newly confirmed as king, he was called to act for Israel’s defense and to establish the responsibility of his office. 2Ki 22:11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law,… the Spirit of God rushed upon him, God empowered Saul for the task before him, directing him to lead Israel against its enemy. Saul’s authority as king was to be exercised under God’s rule and for the protection of His people. 1Sa 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you… and he burned with great anger. Saul’s indignation arose from the Ammonites’ cruel threat against an Israelite city. Moved by God’s Spirit, he responded decisively, gathering Israel to rescue Jabesh-gilead and demonstrating the leadership the nation needed. 2Sa 12:5 David burned with anger against the man… He took a pair of oxen, Saul sacrificed valuable working animals, showing that Israel faced an emergency requiring immediate national action. 1Ki 19:21 So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen,… cut them into pieces, The shocking act made the consequences of refusing the summons unmistakable. Jdg 19:29 When he reached his house, he picked up a knife… and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, Couriers carried the evidence and Saul’s command through the tribal regions, rapidly gathering the scattered people. 2Ch 30:6 At the command of the king, the couriers went… proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Saul called Israel to follow both the king and the prophet, joining royal authority with Samuel’s recognized leadership. The warning threatened the property on which families depended for farming and livelihood. Jdg 21:5 The Israelites asked, “Who among all the tribes… Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, God moved the nation to recognize the urgency of the threat and the seriousness of the summons. Gen 35:5 As they set out, a terror from God fell… and they came out together as one man. Israel responded with unusual unity, assembling as a single people to defend Jabesh-gilead. Jdg 20:1 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba… And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, Saul gathered and organized the men who answered the call to rescue Jabesh-gilead. The assembly demonstrated that Israel’s tribes were willing to follow the king God had appointed. Jdg 1:4-5 When Judah attacked, the LORD delivered the Canaanites… there were 300,000 Israelites The size of the force showed a broad national response and gave Saul the strength needed to confront the Ammonite threat. 2Ch 25:5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah… and 30,000 men of Judah. Judah is counted separately while still joining the united army, showing its distinct tribal identity and full participation in the defense of Israel. 2Sa 6:1 David again assembled the chosen men of Israel,… So they said to the messengers who had come, Saul and the people of Israel answered the appeal brought from Jabesh-gilead, whose inhabitants were threatened by the Ammonites. The city lay east of the Jordan in Gilead and had a past connection with Benjamin, Saul’s tribe. Pro 25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news… “Tell the men of Jabesh-gilead: The messengers were to return at once with a public assurance for the besieged city. 2Sa 2:4-7 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and… ‘Deliverance will be yours tomorrow Saul pledged prompt rescue, confident that Israel would be gathered and strengthened for battle. 2Ki 7:1 Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD!… by the time the sun is hot.’” Help would arrive by midday, leaving no doubt that Jabesh-gilead would be delivered quickly from Nahash and the Ammonites. Gen 18:1 Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre… And when the messengers relayed this to the men of Jabesh, they rejoiced. The men of Jabesh received the report with relief and renewed hope, knowing that Israel would come to their aid. Pro 15:30 The light of the eyes cheers the heart… Then the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Jabesh-gilead lay east of the Jordan and had longstanding ties with Benjamin. Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had besieged the city and demanded a humiliating surrender. 1Sa 31:11-13 When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines… “Tomorrow we will come out, The men of Jabesh used the delay to give Saul’s messengers time to return with help. 2Ki 18:31-32 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king… and you can do with us whatever seems good to you.” Their apparent submission was a deliberate strategy, not surrender. By the next day Saul would lead Israel against the Ammonites and rescue Jabesh-gilead, showing the deliverance God provided through Israel’s newly anointed king. 1Sa 14:36 And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night… The next day Saul organized the troops into three divisions, Saul acted quickly after the men of Jabesh-gilead sought help. Dividing the army enabled Israel to strike from several directions and prevent the Ammonites from mounting an effective defense. Jdg 7:16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies… and during the morning watch they invaded the camp of the Ammonites Saul attacked before dawn, when the enemy would have been least alert. The Ammonites had besieged Jabesh-gilead and threatened its people with humiliation, but their advantage ended when Israel’s army arrived. Exo 14:24 At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army… and slaughtered them, until the hottest part of the day. The battle continued through the morning until the heat of the day, showing the decisiveness of Israel’s victory. The Lord used Saul to deliver Jabesh-gilead and confirm his calling as Israel’s king. 1Ki 18:26-29 And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it… And the survivors were so scattered that no two of them were left together. The Ammonite army was completely routed, leaving no organized force able to continue the siege or threaten the city. Deu 28:25 The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies.…
Saul Confirmed as KingIsrael still looked to Samuel as the nation’s prophet, judge, and spiritual leader. After Saul’s victory over the Ammonites, the people appealed to Samuel to address those who had questioned Saul’s fitness to rule. 1Sa 8:4-5 So all the elders of Israel gathered together… “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Some had previously rejected Saul and refused to support him. His decisive deliverance of Jabesh-gilead silenced their doubts and confirmed his ability to lead Israel. 1Sa 10:27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?”… Bring those men here The people wanted the opponents of Saul identified and brought forward publicly. They viewed resistance to the newly confirmed king as a threat to Israel’s unity and security. Jos 7:24-25 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan… so we can kill them!” Their demand treated opposition to Saul as rebellion deserving death. Saul, however, would refuse their request, recognizing that the Lord had given Israel victory that day. 2Ki 10:25-28 When he had finished making the burnt offering,… But Saul ordered, Saul exercised the authority entrusted to him as Israel’s newly confirmed king. Following the defeat of the Ammonites, he used his position to protect unity among the tribes rather than settle old disputes. 1Sa 14:24 Now the men of Israel were in distress that day… “No one shall be put to death this day, Some Israelites had earlier rejected Saul’s kingship and called for their punishment after the victory. Saul refused to allow retaliation, recognizing that the nation needed reconciliation after God had delivered it from danger. 1Sa 24:7 With these words David restrained his men… for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” Saul gave the LORD credit for Israel’s rescue from the Ammonites. The victory confirmed God’s provision for His people and established Saul’s reign without making Saul the source of Israel’s deliverance. 1Sa 14:45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—… Then Samuel said to the people, Samuel directs Israel as the Lord’s prophet and judge during the transition from tribal leadership to monarchy. Having seen Saul’s victory over the Ammonites and the people’s renewed support for him, Samuel leads the nation toward a public confirmation of the kingdom. 1Sa 12:1 Then Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened… “Come, let us go to Gilgal Gilgal was Israel’s first major camp after crossing the Jordan into the land God had promised them. It was associated with covenant obedience, national renewal, and the Lord’s past faithfulness. Saul had also been instructed to wait there for Samuel early in his calling. Jos 4:19-20 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up… and renew the kingship there.” The gathering would formally establish Saul’s rule before the nation and unite the tribes under the king God had chosen. Israel’s acceptance of Saul followed the deliverance at Jabesh-gilead, demonstrating that the king could lead and defend the people. 1Sa 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one… So all the people went to Gilgal Gilgal, Israel’s first encampment after crossing the Jordan, had become a place associated with covenant renewal and national assembly. Gathering there united the tribes at a significant location in their history. 1Sa 10:8 And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely… and confirmed Saul as king Though Samuel had already anointed Saul, the people now publicly recognized him as king. Saul’s victory over the Ammonites had demonstrated his ability to lead Israel in battle and helped secure the nation’s acceptance of his rule. 1Sa 12:13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested.… in the presence of the LORD. The assembly was conducted as an act of worship and accountability before God. Israel’s king was not independent of the LORD but was to govern under His authority. 1Sa 10:19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you… There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, These offerings expressed thanksgiving, fellowship, and peace with God. The sacrifices also marked the occasion as a covenantal national celebration rather than merely a political ceremony. 1Ki 8:63 And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD… and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly. The people rejoiced over their deliverance from the Ammonites and the renewed unity of Israel under its king. Saul shared in the celebration as his reign was publicly established. 1Ki 1:40 All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing…… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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