Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary1 Samuel 11

Extremity of Jabesh-GileadThis section describes a crisis facing the city of Jabesh-Gilead, which was under siege by the Ammonites. The people of Jabesh-Gilead had lost their strength and courage, and were willing to surrender and become servants to the Ammonites on harsh terms. This situation revealed the vulnerability of Israel without a strong, united leadership. However, it also set the stage for Saul to emerge as the deliverer that the nation desperately needed.v. 1: The Ammonites, led by their king Nahash, laid siege to the city of Jabesh-Gilead. The people of Jabesh-Gilead, lacking the will to fight, offered to surrender and become servants to the Ammonites, if their lives were spared . This showed how the Israelites had lost their spirit of independence and trust in God when they lacked strong leadership.

v. 2: Nahash responded with a cruel demand - that the men of Jabesh-Gilead must all have their right eyes gouged out. This would both torment them and render them unable to fight effectively. The Ammonites wanted to humiliate the Israelites and weaken their military capacity .

v. 3: The people of Jabesh-Gilead requested a seven-day delay before having to respond to Nahash's terms. This gave them time to seek help, though they likely doubted any would come. Nahash agreed, perhaps overconfident that no one would come to their aid in time .

v. 4: The messengers from Jabesh-Gilead went to Gibeah, where Saul lived, and told the people there about their plight. The people wept in response, but did not take any immediate action to help their fellow Israelites . This showed the disunity and lack of leadership in Israel at the time.

The Distress of Jabesh-Gilead; Saul Succours Jabesh-GileadThis section shows how Saul, newly chosen as king, acts with courage and wisdom to rescue Jabesh-Gilead from the Ammonites. Saul’s response reveals his humility, care for his people, and the new spirit God had given him. It also marks the beginning of his public leadership as king, as he unites Israel to defend their brothers in need.v. 5: Even after being anointed king, Saul continued to work in the fields with his servants. When he returned from the field and saw the people weeping, he asked what was wrong . Saul’s humility is clear—he did not become proud or lazy after becoming king, but cared about the daily lives of his people.

v. 6: When Saul heard of the crisis at Jabesh-Gilead, the Spirit of God came upon him and filled him with righteous anger and determination . He was upset by the cruelty of the Ammonites and the fear among his own people. God’s Spirit gave him the courage and energy to take action as a true leader.

v. 7: Saul showed his authority by sending pieces of oxen throughout Israel, warning that anyone who did not join the army would lose their own oxen. He also worked side by side with Samuel, showing respect for the prophet’s role. The people responded as one, because the fear of the Lord

v. 8: Saul gathered the army at Bezek and counted the men who joined him—300,000 from Israel and 30,000 from Judah. This careful organization allowed Saul to plan wisely for the coming battle .

v. 9: Saul sent messengers back to Jabesh-Gilead with good news. He promised them that by the next day they would be rescued. The people of Jabesh-Gilead were glad and encouraged by this hope .

v. 10: The people of Jabesh-Gilead sent a message to the Ammonites, saying they would surrender the next day. This made the Ammonites overconfident and less prepared for battle .

v. 11: Saul divided his army into three groups and attacked the Ammonite camp early in the morning, surprising them. The Israelites won a complete victory, scattering the Ammonites so that no two of them were left together . God gave Saul success, showing everyone that He was with their new king.

Sacrifices Offered to GodThis passage describes what happened after Saul’s great victory over the Ammonites. The victory brought new respect for Saul as king, and the people wanted to deal with those who had doubted him. We also see Saul’s mercy, and how Samuel gathered everyone to give thanks to the Lord

v. 13: Saul showed mercy and stopped the people from killing anyone who had spoken against him . He said, “There shall not a man be put to death this day,” because it was a day of joy and celebration. Saul reminded them that the Lord

vv. 14–15: Samuel used this moment to bring the people together at Gilgal before the Lord