Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 11
Albert Barnes Commentary
1 Samuel 11
Albert Barnes Commentary
1 Samuel 11
"Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee." — 1 Samuel 11:1 (ASV)
Nahash was king of the Ammonites, as is clear from 1 Samuel 12:12. He seems to have been connected with the family of David, since David’s sister Abigail was “the daughter (perhaps granddaughter) of Nahash” (2 Samuel 17:25; 1 Chronicles 2:16–17). Perhaps because of this connection, he and his family were very friendly to David (2 Samuel 17:27).
Jabesh-Gilead must have been repopulated after its destruction. The Ammonites and Moabites resented the possession of Gilead by the Israelites (Judges 10:6–18; Judges 11).
"And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days` respite, that we may send messengers unto all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to thee." — 1 Samuel 11:3 (ASV)
The elders - Observe the universal form of civil government among the Israelites, which was by elders (Judges 8:14, 16, and elsewhere).
"Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and spake these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept." — 1 Samuel 11:4 (ASV)
They came to Gibeah because of the connection between the Benjamites and the people of Jabesh (Judges 21).
In the ears of the people. They did not even inquire for Saul, which shows how little he was looked upon as king. The account in 1 Samuel 11:5 shows how completely he was still in a private and humble station.
"And the Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when he heard those words, and his anger was kindled greatly." — 1 Samuel 11:6 (ASV)
This time the Spirit of God came upon him, as He did upon the Judges before him, as a Spirit of supernatural energy and power.
"And he took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the dread of Jehovah fell on the people, and they came out as one man." — 1 Samuel 11:7 (ASV)
Though not expressly stated, it is undoubtedly implied that he sent the portions by messengers to the twelve tribes, after the analogy of, and probably in imitation of, Judges 19:29. He used the revered name of Samuel to strengthen his own weak authority. Samuel accompanied Saul on the expedition (1 Samuel 11:12).
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