United Commentaries

1Sam.9.1-11.15

Saul’s rise to power involved a threefold sequence: (1) his secret anointing by Samuel (9:1–10:16), (2) his selection by lot (10:17-27), and (3) his victory over the Ammonites (11:1-15). See also study note on 13:1–16:13.

1Sam.10.26-11.13

Saul proved his capacity for leadership by tolerating opposition and rescuing the town of Jabesh-gilead.

1Sam.11.1-15

Saul’s kingship was confirmed through a military victory, the very reason the people wanted a king (8:20).

1Sam.11.1

Ammon (see Gen 19:38), located on the east side of the Jordan, represented a threat to Israel similar to the Philistines to the southwest (see also Judg 10:6–11:33).

Make a treaty with us: Cp. Josh 9; 2 Sam 10:19.

1Sam.11.2

gouge out the right eye: Mutilation of captured soldiers was a common practice in the ancient Near East. These disfigured soldiers would have lost all depth perception, seriously curtailing their potential for fighting in a revolt.

1Sam.11.3

Nahash agreed to grant a reprieve of seven days, reflecting his arrogant confidence of victory and his desire to humiliate Israel as much as possible.

1Sam.11.7

Not to participate would indicate rejection of the leadership of both Saul as king and Samuel as prophet.

1Sam.11.8

Bezek was about fourteen miles west of Jabesh-gilead.

The narrator’s use of the terms Israel and Judah anticipates the later division of the kingdom (1 Kgs 12).

1Sam.11.13

No one will be executed: This was a time for rejoicing, not revenge.

1Sam.11.14

renew the kingdom: “Renew” indicates that someone or something had deteriorated or had been damaged (cp. Ps 51:10). Whatever effect the scoundrels (1 Sam 10:27; 11:12) might have had in undermining the people’s confidence was now rectified by Saul’s victory over the Ammonites.

1Sam.11.15

The solemn ceremony before the Lord acknowledged Saul’s sovereignty as king while affirming that the Lord was Israel’s true King.

Peace offerings were common on historic occasions that inaugurated important institutions (see Exod 24:5; Lev 9:4, 18, 22; 1 Kgs 8:63-64).