1 Samuel 11:1-2 KJV,ASV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 11:2

(2) On this condition.—The horrible cruelty of this scornful proposal gives us an insight into the barbarous customs of this imperfectly civilised age. Indeed, many of the crimes we read of in these books—crimes which, to modern ears, justly sound shocking and scarcely credible—are referable to the fact that civilisation and its humanizing influences had made but little way as yet among the nations of the world.The object of Nahash’s cruelty was to incapacitate the inhabitants of Jabesh from... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

The Relief of Jabesh-gilead 1 Samuel 11:0 Of the rejoicing after the relief of Jabesh-Gilead Dr. Blaikie says: 'It was perhaps the happiest occasion in all the reign of Saul. What constituted the chief element of brightness to the occasion was the sunshine of heaven. God was there, smiling on His children. There were other elements too. Samuel was there, happy that Saul had conquered, that he had established himself upon the throne, and above all, that he had, in a right noble way,... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

CHAPTER XV.THE RELIEF OF JABESH-GILEAD.1 Samuel 11:1-15.PRIMITIVE though the state of society was in those days in Israel, we are hardly prepared to find Saul following the herd in the field after his election as king of Israel. We are compelled to conclude that the opposition to him was far from contemptible in number and in influence, and that he found it expedient in the meantime to make no demonstration of royalty, but continue his old way of life. If we go back to the days of Abimelech,... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

4. The King’s First Victory and the Renewal of the Kingdom at Gilgal CHAPTER 11 1. The victory over Ammon (1 Samuel 11:1-11 ) 2. The kingdom renewed (1 Samuel 11:12-15 ) Nahash the Ammonite encamped against Jabesh-gilead. Nahash means “the serpent.” This invasion took place before Saul had been made king. From chapter 12:12 we learn that it really was the occasion why Israel demanded a king. In despair the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead offered to make a covenant with this old foe of... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Samuel 11:1

11:1 Then Nahash the Ammonite {a} came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.(a) After that Saul was chosen king: for fear of whom they asked a king, as in 1 Samuel 12:12. read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Samuel 11:2

11:2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this [condition] will I make [a covenant] with you, that I may thrust out all your {b} right eyes, and lay it [for] a reproach upon all Israel.(b) This declares that the closer the tyrants are to their destruction, the more cruel they are. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

The first test of Saul's prowess is made by Nahash, the Ammonite. His name means "serpent" and Ammon means "peoplish." This expression "peoplish" reminds us of humanism, which makes everything of man and leaves God out. The "serpent" is its king, so that Ammon stands for those today who are characterizes by gross Satanic doctrine. They encamp against Jabesh-Gilead, meaning "dry heap of witness," for when the witness of believers begins to dry up, Satan finds them susceptible to attack. The men... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

SAUL CONFIRMED AS KING THE PEASANT BECOMES A PRINCE There was one verse in the last lesson (1 Samuel 10:6 ) we should think of more fully. When Samuel said the Spirit of the Lord would come upon Saul and he would be turned into another man, it is not necessary to suppose it meant his regeneration. There is a question as to whether Saul ever was regenerated, for his life-story would not lead us to believe he was. The Spirit of the Lord coming on a man is one thing, and the Spirit of Lord... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

Practical Royalty 1 Samuel 11:0 AT this time Saul occupied a somewhat anomalous position. He had been anointed king of Israel, and all the people had shouted and said, "God save the king." It would appear from this as if Saul had really become king of Israel, and in a certain sense that was so; but in the disordered times in which the kingship was proclaimed Saul went home to Gibeah, and continued to discharge his agricultural and social duties. He was, therefore, little more than a king in... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:1

CONTENTS This Chapter opens with an account of Israel's distress, by reason Of the Ammonites' daring encampment against Jabesh-Gilead. The Gileadites are disposed to submit to the Ammonites, but their terms are both insolent and cruel. Saul being made acquainted with the circumstances of the case, commands all Israel to assemble for the relief of the Gileadites. He routs the Ammonites in battle, and makes a very great slaughter of them. All Israel rejoice, in consequence thereof, and are full... read more