1 Samuel 11

Saul Proves He Is a Real One

1 Nahash the Ammonite rolled up and camped around Jabesh-gilead. The men of Jabesh said, “Cut a deal with us and we will serve you.”

2 Nahash said, “Aight, but only if I gouge out every one of your right eyes. That way I can shame all Israel.”

3 The elders of Jabesh said, “Give us seven days to send messengers across Israel. If nobody saves us, we will surrender.”

Saul Hears the Cry

4 When the messengers got to Gibeah, Saul’s hometown, and told the people what was happening, everybody broke down crying.

5 Saul was just coming back from the fields with his oxen. He asked, “Why everybody crying?” They told him what went down with Jabesh.

6 When Saul heard it, the Spirit of God rushed on him and he got heated, righteous anger.

7 He grabbed two oxen, chopped them up into pieces, and sent the meat out through all Israel by messengers, saying, “This is what is going to happen to your oxen if you do not come ride with Saul and Samuel!” Fear of the Lord hit the people, and they came out united, ready to move.

Saul Leads the Charge

8 Saul mustered the troops at Bezek, 300,000 men from Israel and 30,000 from Judah.

9 They told the messengers from Jabesh, “Tell the men, by the time the sun’s hot tomorrow, you all are going to be saved.” The messengers ran back and told Jabesh, and the people lit up with hope.

The Trap Is Set

10 The men of Jabesh sent word to Nahash, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, do whatever you want.” (They were setting him up.)

11 The next day, Saul split his men into three squads. They rushed the Ammonite camp at dawn and wrecked them, slaughtered them so bad that by midday the survivors were scattered, no two of them sticking together.

Saul Gets His Respect

12 After the battle, the people told Samuel, “Who was it that said, ‘Should Saul run us?’ Bring them out, we about to end them!”

13 But Saul said, “Nah, nobody is dying today. The Lord just saved Israel, this day is about victory, not revenge.”

Saul’s Kingship Confirmed

14 Samuel said, “Come on, let us all roll down to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.”

15 So they went to Gilgal and crowned Saul king in front of the Lord. They sacrificed peace offerings and had a huge celebration, everybody was hype and joyful with Saul that day.