SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 11
SAUL RESCUES THE CITY OF JABESH (vs. 1-11)
Nahash, the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead. All the men of Jabesh wanted to make a treaty with them but Nahash said: “I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of everyone of you and so bring disgrace on Israel” (v. 2). They requested 7 days period to decide whether to surrender to them or not.
When the messenger reported to the people about what Nahash said, all the people wept aloud. As Saul was returning from his fields, he asked why the people were weeping. The men reported to him what Nahash had said. The Spirit of God came upon Saul and he was burned with anger. Then Saul mustered 300 thousand men at Bezek and 30 thousand men of Judah. The next day, Saul separated his men into three divisions. During the last watch of the night, they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them. The survivors scattered without anyone left together.
SAUL CONFIRMED AS KING (vs. 12-15)
Samuel told the people to go to Gilgal and reaffirm the kingship of Saul. They confirmed Saul as their king in the presence of the Lord and sacrifice fellowship offering with great celebration.
THOUGHTS:
The people of Gilead responded to crises with fear by giving up themselves and giving in to a treaty. But Saul responded with anger by the threat, mistreatment and humiliation of the Ammonites. He took action by rallying the troops for battle to prove himself as a leader. The crisi allow Saul to reaffirm him as the king. Sometimes, God allows crisis in your life to strengthen your faith. Use your victories to glorify him and help others.
Saul had been anointed by Samuel at Gilgal in the presence of the Lord. The defeat of the Ammonites confirmed his rule and kingship by the people.