1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.

3 And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee.

4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

5 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.

6 And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

8 And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

9 And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabeshgilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.

10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.

11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.

12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.

13 And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel.

14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.

15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Then - That is, about that time; for that this happened before, and was the occasion of their desire of a king, may seem from (1 Samuel 12:12) , although it is possible, that Nahash's preparation, might cause that desire, and that he did not actually come 'till their king was chosen. Will serve - The occasion of this offer was, that they saw no likelihood of relief from their brethren in Canaan.
McArther Bible Commentary
Nahash the Ammonite. Nahash, meaning "snake," was king of the Ammonites, the descendants of Lot (cf. Gen 19:36-38) who lived east of the Jordan River. Jabesh Gilead. A town east of the Jordan River, about twenty-two miles south of the Sea of Galilee, in the tribal territory of Manasseh (cf. Jdg 21:8-14).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 26:28 Judges 21:8 1 Samuel 12:12 1 Samuel 14:47 1 Samuel 31:11 2 Samuel 10:1 2 Samuel 10:2 2 Samuel 17:27 1 Kings 20:34 Job 41:4 Jeremiah 40:11 Jeremiah 40:14 Ezekiel 17:13

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thrust out, &c. - Partly for a reproach, as it here follows; and partly, to disable them. He leaves them one eye, that they might be fit to serve in any mean and base office.
McArther Bible Commentary
put out all your right eyes. This barbarous mutilation was a common punishment of usurpers in the ancient Near East which would disable the warriors' depth perception and peripheral vision, rendering them useless in battle.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 16:14 1 Samuel 12:12 1 Samuel 17:26 Psalm 44:13

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
McArther Bible Commentary
seven days. The elders at Jabesh were hoping for deliverance from the Israelites west of the Jordan River.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 8:4 1 Samuel 11:10

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
McArther Bible Commentary
Gibeah of Saul. Saul's home and the first capital city of the monarchy, about three miles north of Jerusalem (cf. 1Sa 10:26).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 27:38 Judges 2:4 Judges 20:23 Judges 20:26 Judges 21:2 1 Samuel 10:26 1 Samuel 15:34 1 Samuel 30:4

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
After the herd - For being only anointed king, and not publickly inaugurated, nor having yet had opportunity of doing any thing worthy of his place, he thought fit to forbear all royal state, and to retire to his former private life, which, howsoever despised in this latter ages, was anciently in great esteem. Good magistrates are in pain, if their subjects are in tears.
McArther Bible Commentary
from the field. Saul continued to work as a farmer while waiting for the time to answer Israel's expectations of him as the king.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 21:17 1 Kings 19:19

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Spirit of God came upon Saul. This was to fill him with divine indignation and to empower him to deliver the citizens of Jabesh Gilead (cf. 1Sa 10:6).
Bible Cross References
Judges 3:10 Judges 6:34 Judges 11:29 Judges 13:25 Judges 14:6 Judges 15:14 1 Samuel 10:10 1 Samuel 16:13 1 Samuel 16:14

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sent them - Wisely considering, that the sight of mens eyes does much more affect their hearts, than what they only hear with their ears. Samuel - Whom he joins with himself, both because he was present with him; and that hereby he might gain the more authority. Fear - A fear sent upon them by God, that they should not dare to deny their help. The fear of God will make men good subjects, good soldiers, and good friends to their country. They that fear God will make conscience of their duty to all men, particularly to their rulers.
McArther Bible Commentary
cut them in pieces. Saul divided the oxen in sections to be taken throughout Israel to rouse the people for battle (see a similar action in Jdg 19:29; Jdg 20:6).
Bible Cross References
Judges 19:29 Judges 20:1 Judges 21:5 Judges 21:8 Judges 21:10

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Men of Judah - Who are numbered apart to their honour, to shew how readily they, to whom the kingdom was promised, (Genesis 49:10) , submitted to their king, though of another tribe; and how willing they were to hazard themselves for their brethren although they might have excused themselves from the necessity of defending their own country from their dangerous neighbours the Philistines.
McArther Bible Commentary
Bezek. A city thirteen miles north of Shechem and seventeen miles west of Jabesh Gilead. children of Israel … men of Judah. This distinction made between Israel and Judah before the kingdom was divided indicates the book was written after 931 B.C. when the kingdom had been divided. See Introduction: Author and Date.
Bible Cross References
Judges 1:5 Judges 20:2 1 Samuel 11:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
Bible Cross References
Judges 21:8 1 Samuel 11:8 1 Samuel 11:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 11:3 1 Samuel 11:9

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jabesh-gilead delivered.
The first fruit of Saul's government was the rescue of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. To save their lives, men will part with liberty, and even consent to have their eyes put out; is it then no wisdom to part with that sin which is as dear to us as our right eye, rather than to be cast into hell-fire? See the faith and confidence of Saul, and, grounded thereon, his courage and resolution. See also his activity in this business. When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon men, it will make them expert, even without experience. When zeal for the glory of God, and love for the brethren, urge men to earnest efforts, and when God is pleased to help, great effects may speedily be produced.
McArther Bible Commentary
three companies. A military strategy of dividing up forces, it lessened the possibility of losing everyone to a sneak attack while giving greater military options. in the morning watch. The last of the three watches (2:00-6:00 a.m.), this surprise attack was before dawn, before the Ammonites were prepared for battle.
Bible Cross References
Judges 7:16 Judges 7:20 1 Samuel 30:17 2 Samuel 18:2

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul confirmed in his kingdom.
They now honoured Saul whom they had despised; and if an enemy be made a friend, that is more to our advantage than to have him slain. The once despised Saviour will at length be acknowledged by all as the Lord's own anointed king. As yet, upon his mercy-seat, he receives the submission of rebels, and even pleads their cause; but shortly, from his righteous tribunal, he will condemn all who persist in opposing him.
Bible Cross References
Luke 19:27 1 Samuel 10:27

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul confirmed in his kingdom.
They now honoured Saul whom they had despised; and if an enemy be made a friend, that is more to our advantage than to have him slain. The once despised Saviour will at length be acknowledged by all as the Lord's own anointed king. As yet, upon his mercy-seat, he receives the submission of rebels, and even pleads their cause; but shortly, from his righteous tribunal, he will condemn all who persist in opposing him.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Lord has accomplished salvation in Israel. Saul recognized the deliverance of the Lord and refused to kill those who had rebelled against his kingship (1Sa 10:27).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 14:13 Exodus 14:30 1 Samuel 10:27 1 Samuel 19:5 2 Samuel 19:22 2 Samuel 23:10

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul confirmed in his kingdom.
They now honoured Saul whom they had despised; and if an enemy be made a friend, that is more to our advantage than to have him slain. The once despised Saviour will at length be acknowledged by all as the Lord's own anointed king. As yet, upon his mercy-seat, he receives the submission of rebels, and even pleads their cause; but shortly, from his righteous tribunal, he will condemn all who persist in opposing him.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Then - While the people were together by Jabesh - gilead, wherein Samuel's great prudence and fidelity to Saul is evident. He suspended the confirmation of Saul at first, whilst the generality of the people were disaffected, and now when he had given such eminent proof of his princely virtues, and when the peoples hearts were eagerly set upon him, he takes this as the fittest season for that work. Renew - That is, confirm our former choice.
McArther Bible Commentary
Gilgal. See note on 1Sa 10:8. renew the kingdom. The reaffirmation of Saul's kingship by public acclamation.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 7:16 1 Samuel 10:8 1 Samuel 10:25 1 Samuel 12:1 2 Samuel 19:15 Amos 5:5

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Saul confirmed in his kingdom.
They now honoured Saul whom they had despised; and if an enemy be made a friend, that is more to our advantage than to have him slain. The once despised Saviour will at length be acknowledged by all as the Lord's own anointed king. As yet, upon his mercy-seat, he receives the submission of rebels, and even pleads their cause; but shortly, from his righteous tribunal, he will condemn all who persist in opposing him.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Made - They owned and accepted him for their king.
McArther Bible Commentary
they made Saul king before the Lord. All the people came to crown Saul king that day. The process of entering the kingship was the same for both Saul and David: (1) commissioned by the Lord (1Sa. 9:1-10:16; 1Sa 16:1-13); (2) confirmed by military victory (1Sa. 10:17-11:11; 1Sa. 16:14 - 2Sa. 1:27); and (3) crowned (1Sa 11:12-15; 2Sa 2:4; 2Sa 5:3). peace offerings. Sacrifices of thanksgiving (cf. Lev 7:13). rejoiced greatly. Along with the victory over the Ammonites, there was a great celebration over the nation being united.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 10:8 1 Samuel 10:17 1 Samuel 12:1 2 Samuel 19:15