1Sa 11:7 | KingComments | STEP | Saul is still the farmer’s son. He comes from the field when he hears of the humiliation and threat. His reaction belongs to the beginning of his life as anointed king that we can consider the best part of his kingship. The Spirit of God seizes him. His indignation is great, but human anger also seems to play a role, perhaps out of anger because of the cowardice of the men of Jabesh. To make Israel ready for action, he sets a terrifying example. The words he speaks here are characteristic. He speaks not of a coming out behind the LORD, but only of a coming up behind himself and Samuel. It is also remarkable that he calls himself first and therefore takes the first place. He does not ask if Samuel agrees. Samuel himself has never claimed a place next to the king. Despite all these negative features, God uses it anyway. He lets fall His dread upon the people. The turnout is enormous. If God acts, something amazing can happen. No man will have stayed at home. Although Israel is still a whole, here the Spirit already points to a distinction between Israel and Judah. After the encouraging turnout, the messengers of Jabesh are promised deliverance. When they come home with this message, there is joy in Jabesh, but toward Nahash they persevere in their hypocrisy. The trip from Bezek probably started the night before. When they have reached Jabesh at the dawn of the morning, Saul divides the people into three armies. This has proved to be a tried and tested strategy with Gideon ( ). Saul and his men have a great victory because the LORD is acting here. There are no two enemies left together, which means that the enemy is completely powerless. It is the proof for Saul that the LORD is with him. The victory of the king according to the flesh over the flesh can be compared to the orthodox doctrine that keeps the wrong doctrine out of the door. Or also with certain forms of legalism that keep worldly influences out of the door, while there is no life from God. 1 Samuel 15 shows that Saul has learned nothing from this victory.

‏ 1 Samuel 11:7

Saul Strikes Down the Ammonites

Saul is still the farmer’s son. He comes from the field when he hears of the humiliation and threat. His reaction belongs to the beginning of his life as anointed king that we can consider the best part of his kingship. The Spirit of God seizes him. His indignation is great, but human anger also seems to play a role, perhaps out of anger because of the cowardice of the men of Jabesh.

To make Israel ready for action, he sets a terrifying example. The words he speaks here are characteristic. He speaks not of a coming out behind the LORD, but only of a coming up behind himself and Samuel. It is also remarkable that he calls himself first and therefore takes the first place. He does not ask if Samuel agrees. Samuel himself has never claimed a place next to the king. Despite all these negative features, God uses it anyway. He lets fall His dread upon the people.

The turnout is enormous. If God acts, something amazing can happen. No man will have stayed at home. Although Israel is still a whole, here the Spirit already points to a distinction between Israel and Judah. After the encouraging turnout, the messengers of Jabesh are promised deliverance. When they come home with this message, there is joy in Jabesh, but toward Nahash they persevere in their hypocrisy.

The trip from Bezek probably started the night before. When they have reached Jabesh at the dawn of the morning, Saul divides the people into three armies. This has proved to be a tried and tested strategy with Gideon (Jdg 7:16 ; 20-22). Saul and his men have a great victory because the LORD is acting here. There are no two enemies left together, which means that the enemy is completely powerless. It is the proof for Saul that the LORD is with him.

The victory of the king according to the flesh over the flesh can be compared to the orthodox doctrine that keeps the wrong doctrine out of the door. Or also with certain forms of legalism that keep worldly influences out of the door, while there is no life from God. 1 Samuel 15 shows that Saul has learned nothing from this victory.