1 Samuel 11:1

CHAPTER XI

Nahash, king of the Ammonites, besieges Jabesh-gilead; and

proposes to its inhabitants the most degrading conditions of

peace, 1, 2.

They apply to their brethren for help, 3, 4.

Saul hears of their distress; takes a yoke of oxen, hews them

in pieces, and sends them throughout the coasts of Israel, with

the threat that all who did not come to his standard should

have his cattle served in like manner; in consequence of which

he is soon at the head of an army of three hundred and thirty

thousand men, 5-8.

He sends to Jabesh-gilead, and promises help, 9, 10.

Saul attacks the Ammonites next morning, and gives them a total

overthrow, 11.

The people are greatly encouraged, and propose to put to death

those who are opposed to Saul's government: but this he

prevents, 12, 13.

Samuel leads the people to Gilgal: they offer sacrifices, and

renew the kingdom to Saul, 14, 15.

NOTES ON CHAP. XI

Verse 1 Samuel 11:1. Nahash the Ammonite] In the Vulgate this chapter begins thus: Et factum est quasi post mensem, "And it came to pass about a month after." This addition appears also in the principal copies of the Septuagint; though it is wanting in the Complutensian edition, both in the Greek and Latin, and is not acknowledged by any of the Oriental versions. But it is in Josephus, and probably was inserted from him into some copies of the Septuagint, and thence into the Vulgate. It appears to be of very little authority.

We know little about Nahash; there was a king of this name among the Ammonites in the time of David, 2 Samuel 10:2, but probably not the same person. Nahash might have been a common name of the Ammonitish kings.

Make a covenant with us] They found they were in no condition to risk a war; and they wish to have peace, and desire to know his conditions.