Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:13

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for today the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

12 15. Confirmation of Saul as King

13. There shall not a man be put to death this day ] The execution even of malcontents would have clouded the general rejoicing: and Saul’s best hope of uniting the kingdom under his rule lay in a policy of conciliation. Cp. 1Sa 10:27; 2Sa 19:22.

salvation ] Deliverance. See note on 1Sa 11:9.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

There shall not a man … – An instance of great moderation, as well as good policy, on the part of Saul. Compare Davids conduct (marginal reference).

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

1Sa 11:13

There shall not a man be put to death this day.

A magnanimous king

Louis XII of France is known in history as a most magnanimous prince towards his enemies. On his accession he caused a list of these to be drawn up, and marked against each name a black cross. This was looked upon by them that they were singled out for punishment, and they accordingly fled. When Louis heard of it, he had them called into his presence and assured them that they had no cause for alarm, since the reason why he had placed the cross against their names was to keep him in mind of the Cross that brings pardon to all. Among those who sought his pardon at this time were the magistrates of Orleans, who had subjected him to such indignities while he was detained as a prisoner in their city. Their deputation he dismissed courteously with the generous reply that it did not, become the King of France to resent the injuries of the Duke of Orleans. Of a like spirit was Lord Nelson, who penned in his cabin on the morning of the battle of Trafalgar: May humanity after victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet. (Charles Deal.)

The best way to conquer an enemy

Henry IV of France was wont to say that he was able to conquer all his enemies, by treating them with such clemency and kindness when they were in his power that they were changed into loyal subjects.

Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell

Verse 13. There shall not a man be put to death] This was as much to Saul’s credit as the lately proposed measure was to the discredit of his soldiers.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

I will not destroy any of those whom God hath so graciously preserved; nor sully the mirth of this glorious and comfortable day with the slaughter of any of my subjects; and therefore I freely forgive them. Wherein Saul showed his policy as well as his clemency, this being the most likely way to gain his enemies, and secure his friends, and stablish his throne in the hearts of his people.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

And Saul said,…. Preventing Samuel from giving an answer, being ready to forgive injuries; as it was in his power as a king, and him only, to pardon those persons that treated him in so ill a manner, and it was policy so to do, especially in the beginning of his reign; and it plainly appears that this temper did not always continue with him; though there is no reason to believe otherwise, that this was now owing to his lenity as well as his prudence:

there shall not be a man put to death this day; who by their appearance to his summons had testified their obedience, and by their courage and valour had showed their attachment to him, and to the interest of their country. Ben Gersom takes the sense to be, that it might be right after, but not on this day to put them to death; or that this was an artifice of Saul to deliver those men out of the hands of the Israelites, suggesting as if it was his intention hereafter to put them to death, though not now, for the following reason:

for today the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel; he does not ascribe the victory to the quick dispatch he made, to his wisdom and prudence in forming the scheme he did, and to his valour and courage, and that of his troops, but to the power and goodness of God.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

(13) And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day.A wise, as well as a generous, decision; anything like a bloody vengeance would have been the commencement of future feuds and bitter heart-burnings between the new king and the powerful families of the other tribes, who misliked and opposed his election. Saul began his reign with wise discretion, as well as with heroic valour. By this determined refusal to avenge the cruel affront showed to him, he taught kings to be how truly a royal virtue was forgiveness of all past wrongs.

For to day the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel.And as yet unspoiled, the kings heart was full of humble reverent piety. By this first public act of pardon, he not only signified that the public rejoicing should not be interrupted, but reminded them of the clemency of God, and urged that since Jehovah had shown such clemency upon that day, that He overlooked their sins, and had given them a glorious victory. it was only right they should follow His example, and forgive their neighbours sins without bloodshed. (Seb. Schmidt, quoted by Keil and Delitsch.)

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

(13) And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for today the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

This conduct in Saul, was both generous, and becoming. David felt similar affections towards Shimei, his sworn enemy. 2Sa 19:21-23 .

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

1Sa 11:13 And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

Ver. 13. There shall not a man be put to death this day. ] Mitisima sors est Regnorum sub Rege novo. a But this held not long with Saul; witness his dealing with David, Jonathan, the Lord’s priests, &c. He was never right.

For today the Lord hath wrought, &c. ] Therefore this day shall not be obscured or fouled with shedding of blood. So the citizens of Berne, for joy of the reformation there wrought, pardoned a couple of traitors, and gave liberty to all their exiles to return home again. b

a Claudian.

b Scultet., Annal.

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)