Historical Context:
Jabesh-Gilead was a city located east of the Jordan River in the territory of Gilead, belonging to the tribe of Manasseh. It held a significant place in Israelite history, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The city is most notably remembered for its siege by the Ammonites, an event that catalyzed the rise of Saul as the first king of Israel.

The Siege by the Ammonites:
The account of Jabesh-Gilead's siege is recorded in 1 Samuel 11. Nahash the Ammonite king besieged the city, presenting a grave threat to its inhabitants. The Ammonites were a perennial enemy of Israel, often engaging in hostilities against the tribes east of the Jordan. Nahash's demand was particularly brutal: he offered to make a treaty with the people of Jabesh-Gilead on the condition that he gouge out the right eye of every man, thereby bringing disgrace upon all Israel.

Biblical Account:
The elders of Jabesh-Gilead, faced with this dire situation, requested a seven-day respite to seek help from their fellow Israelites. They sent messengers throughout Israel, and their plea reached Saul, who was then living in Gibeah. The Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul when he heard these words, and he burned with anger. Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, declaring, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." The fear of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one (1 Samuel 11:6-7).

The Deliverance:
Saul mustered an army of 330,000 men from Israel and Judah. He sent word to the besieged city, promising deliverance by the next day. The men of Jabesh-Gilead, encouraged by this news, told Nahash that they would surrender the following day, buying time for Saul's forces to arrive. Saul divided his army into three companies and launched a surprise attack on the Ammonite camp during the morning watch. The Ammonites were thoroughly defeated, and those who survived were so scattered that no two of them were left together (1 Samuel 11:11).

Significance:
The successful relief of Jabesh-Gilead solidified Saul's position as king and demonstrated his ability to unite the tribes of Israel against a common enemy. This event marked a turning point in Israel's transition from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. The deliverance of Jabesh-Gilead also underscored the importance of divine intervention and leadership inspired by the Spirit of God in the history of Israel.

Later References:
Jabesh-Gilead is mentioned again in the context of Saul's death. The men of Jabesh-Gilead showed their gratitude and loyalty to Saul by retrieving his body and those of his sons from the Philistines and giving them a proper burial (1 Samuel 31:11-13). This act of valor and respect highlighted the enduring bond between the city and the house of Saul, rooted in the deliverance from the Ammonite siege.1 Samuel 11:1-11
Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.
Nave's Topical Index

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Who was Barzillai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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