---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  1 Samuel 11"
description: "CHAPTER 11   :-. NAHASH OFFERS
THEM OF JABESH-GILEAD
A REPROACHFUL
CONDITION. 1. Then Nahash the Ammonite came
up—Nahash (\"serpent\"); (see  :-). The Ammon"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/1-samuel/11"
---

CHAPTER 11

. NAHASH OFFERS
THEM OF JABESH-GILEAD
A REPROACHFUL
CONDITION.

**1. Then Nahash the Ammonite came
up**—Nahash ("serpent"); (see ). The Ammonites had long claimed the right of original
possession in Gilead. Though repressed by Jephthah (), they now, after ninety years, renew their pretensions;
and it was the report of their threatened invasion that hastened the
appointment of a king ([1 Samuel 12:12](../../../kjv/1-samuel/12/12)).
**Make a covenant with us, and
we will serve thee**—They saw no prospect of aid from the western
Israelites, who were not only remote, but scarcely able to repel the
incursions of the Philistines from themselves.

**2. thrust out all your right
eyes**—literally, "scoop" or "hollow out" the
ball. This barbarous mutilation is the usual punishment of usurpers
in the East, inflicted on chiefs; sometimes, also, even in modern
history, on the whole male population of a town. Nahash meant to keep
the Jabeshites useful as tributaries, whence he did not wish to
render them wholly blind, but only to deprive them of their right
eye, which would disqualify them for war. Besides, his object was,
through the people of Jabesh-gilead, to insult the Israelitish
nation.

**3, 4. send messengers unto all the
coasts of Israel**—a curious proof of the general dissatisfaction
that prevailed as to the appointment of Saul. Those Gileadites deemed
him capable neither of advising nor succoring them; and even in his
own town the appeal was made to the people—not to the prince.
. THEY SEND
TO SAUL, AND ARE
DELIVERED.

**7. he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed
them in pieces**—(see ). This particular form of war-summons was suited to the
character and habits of an agricultural and pastoral people. Solemn
in itself, the denunciation that accompanied it carried a terrible
threat to those that neglected to obey it. Saul conjoins the name of
Samuel with his own, to lend the greater influence to the measure,
and to strike greater terror unto all contemners of the order. The
small contingent furnished by Judah suggests that the disaffection to
Saul was strongest in that tribe.

**8. Bezek**—This place of general
muster was not far from Shechem, on the road to Beth-shan, and nearly
opposite the ford for crossing to Jabesh-gilead. The great number on
the muster-roll showed the effect of Saul's wisdom and promptitude.

**11. on the morrow, that Saul put the
people in three companies**—Crossing the Jordan in the evening,
Saul marched his army all night, and came at daybreak on the camp of
the Ammonites, who were surprised in three different parts, and
totally routed. This happened before the seven days' truce expired.
. SAUL
CONFIRMED KING.

**12-15. the people said . . ., Who is
he that said, Shall Saul reign over us?**—The enthusiastic
admiration of the people, under the impulse of grateful and generous
feelings, would have dealt summary vengeance on the minority who
opposed Saul, had not he, either from principle or policy, shown
himself as great in clemency as in valor. The calm and sagacious
counsel of Samuel directed the popular feelings into a right channel,
by appointing a general assembly of the militia, the really effective
force of the nation, at Gilgal, where, amid great pomp and religious
solemnities, the victorious leader was confirmed in his kingdom [].

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