He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they turned out as one man. He took a pair of oxenIn ancient Israel, oxen were valuable assets, essential for agriculture and transportation. The Hebrew word for "oxen" is "בָּקָר" (baqar), which signifies their importance in daily life. Saul's choice to use oxen underscores the gravity of the situation, as he sacrifices something of great value to rally the Israelites. This act symbolizes the seriousness of the call to unity and action against the Ammonite threat. cut them into pieces sent the pieces by messengers throughout the land of Israel proclaiming, 'This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.' Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people and they turned out as one man Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. In this passage, he demonstrates leadership and decisiveness in rallying the Israelites. 2. Samuel The prophet and last judge of Israel, who anointed Saul as king. His name is invoked alongside Saul's to lend authority to the call to arms. 3. Oxen Animals used in agriculture, symbolizing wealth and livelihood. Saul's drastic action of cutting them into pieces serves as a powerful visual and symbolic message. 4. Messengers Individuals tasked with delivering Saul's message throughout Israel, ensuring that the call to arms reaches all tribes. 5. Israel The nation of God's chosen people, who are called to unite under Saul's leadership to face an external threat. Teaching Points Decisive LeadershipSaul's actions demonstrate the importance of decisive leadership in times of crisis. Leaders must sometimes take bold actions to unify and motivate their people. Unity in Purpose The response of the Israelites, turning out "as one man," underscores the power of unity in achieving a common goal. Believers are called to stand together in faith and purpose. Fear of the Lord The "terror of the LORD" serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reverence due to Him. It is a call to align our actions with His will. Symbolic Actions Saul's use of a powerful symbol (the cut oxen) illustrates how symbolic actions can communicate urgency and compel action. In our lives, we should consider how our actions and symbols reflect our faith. Obedience and Consequences The warning attached to Saul's message highlights the importance of obedience to God's appointed leaders and the consequences of inaction. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Saul's leadership in this passage compare to other leaders in the Bible who faced crises? What can we learn from their examples?2. In what ways can we, as a church or community, ensure unity in purpose when facing challenges today? 3. How does the "terror of the LORD" manifest in our lives, and how should it influence our actions and decisions? 4. What are some modern-day "symbolic actions" that can effectively communicate urgency and motivate others in our faith communities? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required bold action. How did your faith influence your decision-making process, and what was the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 19:29This passage describes a similar act of cutting a concubine into pieces to rally the tribes of Israel, highlighting the gravity and urgency of the situation. Exodus 15:16 The "terror of the LORD" is reminiscent of the fear that fell upon the nations as Israel journeyed to the Promised Land, emphasizing God's power to unite and protect His people. 1 Samuel 10:26-27 Saul's initial acceptance as king and the skepticism of some Israelites, setting the stage for his need to prove his leadership.
People Ammonites, Israelites, Jabesh, Nahash, Samuel, SaulPlaces Bezek, Gibeah, Gilgal, Jabesh-gileadTopics Anyone, Border, Borders, Coasts, Consent, Couple, Cut, Cutteth, Cutting, Doesn't, Dread, Falleth, Fear, Fell, Follow, Forth, Hands, Hewed, Messengers, Oxen, Pieces, Proclaiming, Runners, Samuel, Saul, Saying, Taketh, Territory, Terror, Throughout, Thus, YokeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 11:7 5335 herald Library The Bright Dawn of a Reign'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The King after Man's Heart And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided The Providence of God Samuel Links 1 Samuel 11:7 NIV1 Samuel 11:7 NLT 1 Samuel 11:7 ESV 1 Samuel 11:7 NASB 1 Samuel 11:7 KJV 1 Samuel 11:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |