Bible Commentary

And it was [so] on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:11”

Therefore the men of Jabesh said, Tomorrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you. 10. the men of Jabesh said ] To Nahash, in order to lull him into careless security, by leading him to suppose that their efforts to get help had failed. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:10”

And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, Tomorrow, by [that time] the sun be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came and showed [it] to the men of Jabesh; and they were glad. 9. ye shall have help ] Or, deliverance. The same … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:9”

And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 8. in Bezek ] Probably to be identified with Ibzk, about half way between Shechem and Beth-shan, and 7 miles W. of the Jordan. It was within a day’s march of Jabesh. three … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:8”

And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent [them] throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:7”

And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. 6. the spirit of God came upon Saul ] The Heb. for “came upon” describes a sudden and pervading impulse. (Sept. : Vulg. insilivit.) A supernatural accession of physical and mental vigour roused his dormant energies … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:6”

And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What [aileth] the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh. 5. after the herd ] After the oxen, as in 1Sa 11:7. The king elect had returned to his farm work till occasion … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:5”

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept. 4. lift up their voices and wept ] Oriental nations naturally display their feelings in tears accompanied by loud wailings. Cp. ch. 1Sa 30:4; Gen 27:38; Jdg … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:4”

And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if [there be] no man to save us, we will come out to thee. 3. the elders of Jabesh ] See note on ch. 1Sa 8:4, and cp. Jdg … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:3”

And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this [condition] will I make [a covenant] with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it [for] a reproach upon all Israel. 2. that I may thrust out all your right eyes ] Such barbarities are not unknown in the East even now. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 11:2”