1 Chronicles 10:11

When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard about everything the Philistines had done to Saul,

Study Bible

When the people of Jabesh-gilead
The mention of "Jabesh-gilead" is significant in the historical context of Israel. This city, located east of the Jordan River, had a special relationship with Saul. In 1 Samuel 11, Saul had previously rescued the people of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites, which likely fostered a sense of loyalty and gratitude towards him. The Hebrew root for "Jabesh" means "dry," which may refer to the arid region where the city was located. This phrase sets the stage for the actions of a grateful people who remembered Saul's past deliverance.

heard about everything
The phrase "heard about everything" indicates the spread of news and the impact of Saul's defeat on the surrounding regions. In ancient times, news traveled through word of mouth, and the events concerning Saul would have been of great interest to the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and responding to the news. This suggests that the people of Jabesh-gilead were not passive recipients of information but were moved to action by what they learned.

the Philistines had done
The Philistines were a perennial enemy of Israel, often representing the forces of chaos and opposition to God's people. The actions of the Philistines in this context refer to their defeat of Saul and the desecration of his body, as described earlier in the chapter. The Philistines' actions were not just military but also symbolic, as they sought to humiliate Israel and its God. The historical enmity between Israel and the Philistines is well-documented, with the Philistines often being portrayed as a thorn in Israel's side throughout the Old Testament.

to Saul
Saul, the first king of Israel, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative. His reign began with promise but ended in tragedy due to his disobedience to God. The mention of "Saul" here is a reminder of his fall from grace and the consequences of his actions. Saul's defeat and death at the hands of the Philistines were seen as a divine judgment, yet his earlier deeds, such as the rescue of Jabesh-gilead, were not forgotten by those he had helped. This highlights the duality of Saul's legacy—both as a failed king and as a deliverer of his people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jabesh-gilead
A city in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. Known for its loyalty to Saul, as the men of Jabesh-gilead had previously been rescued by Saul from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11).

2. Philistines
A group of people who were often in conflict with Israel. They defeated Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, leading to Saul's death.

3. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. His reign ended tragically due to his disobedience to God, culminating in his defeat and death at the hands of the Philistines.

4. Mount Gilboa
The location of the battle where Saul and his sons were killed by the Philistines.

5. The Event
The aftermath of Saul's death, where the Philistines desecrated his body, which prompted the men of Jabesh-gilead to retrieve and properly bury Saul and his sons.

Teaching Points

Loyalty and Gratitude
The men of Jabesh-gilead exemplify loyalty and gratitude by risking their lives to honor Saul, who had once saved them. This teaches us the importance of remembering and honoring those who have impacted our lives positively.

Courage in Adversity
The actions of the men of Jabesh-gilead demonstrate courage in the face of danger. As Christians, we are called to act courageously, even when it involves personal risk, to uphold righteousness and honor.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's tragic end serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God. It encourages us to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.

Community and Support
The response of Jabesh-gilead highlights the importance of community support in times of crisis. As believers, we should be ready to support and uplift one another, especially in difficult times.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the loyalty of the men of Jabesh-gilead to Saul inspire us to show gratitude and loyalty in our own relationships?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage in our faith, similar to the men of Jabesh-gilead, when faced with challenges?

3. Reflect on a time when disobedience to God led to negative consequences in your life. How can Saul's account encourage you to seek obedience?

4. How can we, as a church community, better support each other in times of crisis, following the example of Jabesh-gilead?

5. What other biblical examples of loyalty and courage can we draw from to strengthen our faith and actions today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 11
This passage recounts Saul's rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites, establishing a bond of loyalty between Saul and the people of Jabesh-gilead.

1 Samuel 31
Provides a detailed account of Saul's death and the actions of the Philistines, as well as the bravery of the men of Jabesh-gilead in retrieving Saul's body.

2 Samuel 2
Describes David's commendation of the men of Jabesh-gilead for their loyalty and bravery in retrieving Saul's body.