1 Samuel 11 - "Cliff notes" and application.

These events takes place just before Saul is confirmed as king of Israel.

It appears Nahash the Ammonite was hungry for power. He wanted control over the Israelites and wanted to "bring disgrace on all Israel". He wanted the men of Jabesh Gilead to be his subjects and it appears they were being held against their will. They had seven days to get the word out to see if Israel would come and rescue them.

Saul caught wind of this and was furious.

So Saul slaughters some Oxen and sends the pieces around Israel telling folks that this would be the result of not following Saul and Samuel.

This "rallied" Israel and they were like one man. They assembled to fight.

He sends a message to the men of Jabesh Gilead in captivity that they would be rescued the next day.

Then the next day they go slaughter the Ammonites (Nahash's people) until no two of them was left together and they scattered.

Saul was esteemed by his countrymen. They wanted to kill those that opposed Israel, but Saul pardon's them...giving him more power and respect.

Saul gives credit to the Lord for the victory and doesn't seem to take the glory for himself.

After this, they confirmed Saul as King before the Lord, and they had a great celebration.

Application:
Woe to anyone who crosses Israel and the God of Israel.
Ultimate power is demonstrated in a pardon! Saul could have killed those that crossed him, but he sets them free, demonstrating that he was in charge and in control of the situation. Now those pardoned could tell others what happened and testify to this power.

This is so similar to our relationship with God! We deserve death because of our sin. Our sin is in opposition to God. Yet God pardons us by the blood of his Son Jesus Christ. As a result our lives are indebted to him. He is worthy of our respect, our honor, our devotion, our desire for forgiveness.

God is our heavenly King! Let's affirm him today. Let's celebrate because he has pardoned us. He is worthy of our praise today.

Created over 3 years ago