The Ammonites led by Nahash attacked Jabesh Gilead, who sought to make a covenant with Nahash because they thought that they would be killed. Sadly, they didn’t seek God in this, offering to make a covenant with the enemy. Nahash laid down a condition to put out all their right eyes (v1,2). This was to humiliate the people of Jabesh Gilead. The devil wants us to serve him and put us at a disadvantage. We must avoid this at all costs, otherwise we will be ineffective. Jesus said that we cannot serve two masters, we will love one and hate the other.
The elders of Jabesh Gilead, although they instigated the covenant were obviously not happy with Nahash’s demand, so they asked for a delay of seven days to inquire of Israel to see if there was someone to save them. Failing that they would agree to their demand (v3).
They sent messengers to Gibeah where Saul lived. The people wept when they heard the news (v4,5). Saul had been looking after the herd in the field and came in behind them, and asked what the problem was. He had been occupying his time wisely, rather than sitting around waiting for his coronation. There was no media to relay the news. It had to be carried by word of mouth and probably on foot or horseback. However, when Saul heard the news, the Spirit of God came upon him, and he reacted angrily by cutting a yoke of oxen in pieces and sending them throughout the territory of Israel by messengers. They carried a message to the effect that whoever refused to join Saul and Samuel in battle, would suffer the same to their oxen. As a result, 300,000 from Israel and 30,000 men from Judah joined as the fear of God fell upon them (v6-8). It is not right to be angry, but Saul’s anger was right, otherwise the Spirit of God would not have come upon him. Note that Saul expected Samuel to join him in leading them out into battle, which indicated that this was all of God.
The men of Jabesh Gilead were glad to hear the news which messengers brought back to them (v9-11). Filled with confidence they told Nahash that they would come out to them tomorrow, and they could do whatever they wished. The Ammonites thought this was surrender but it was a trap and Saul, who promised to come to their aid, divided his company into three and they came out and killed the Ammonites with any who were survivors, scattered individuals.
There were those who didn’t want Saul as their king, and his supporters asked Samuel to bring them before them so that they could put them to death. Saul refused and reminded them that it was The LORD who had brought them the victory (v12,13). This was a good start for Saul. He could have taken revenge on his opponents, but he was wise enough to recognise that The LORD was with him. He had experienced The Spirit of The LORD come upon him. Samuel commanded all the people to gather at Gilgal, there they rejoiced and made Saul king (v14,15). This was the recognition by all the people. Samuel realised that Saul wasn’t unanimously recognised so he used the victory over the Ammonites to encourage them all. Some had already accepted him, and Samuel had previously anointed him (see 10:1,24) at The LORD’s command. Interestingly, Samuel wasn’t originally in total agreement with them having a king, but The LORD had told him to anoint Saul as king, so he obeyed.
We may not find things easy to go along with, but if God tells us to do it, we must, for He knows best. He is our Lord and King, and even though we fail in our obedience and commitment, we must trust Him and follow His commands.
