1 Samuel 11:1-12:15 NIV

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 11:1

1. Then Nahash the Ammonite came up—Nahash ("serpent"); (see :-). The Ammonites had long claimed the right of original possession in Gilead. Though repressed by Jephthah ( :-), they now, after ninety years, renew their pretensions; and it was the report of their threatened invasion that hastened the appointment of a king (1 Samuel 12:12). Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee—They saw no prospect of aid from the western Israelites, who were not only remote, but scarcely able to repel... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 11:1-5

The Ammonite siege of Jabesh-gilead 11:1-5The Ammonites were Israel’s enemies to the east. They were descendants of Lot whom Jephthah had defeated earlier (Judges 11:12-33). Nahash evidently sought revenge for Jephthah’s victory over his nation. Jabesh-gilead lay a few miles east of the Jordan Valley and about 25 miles south of the Sea of Chinnereth (Galilee). Chinnereth is the Hebrew word for "lyre." The lake has the shape of a lyre, which accounts for this name. The men of Jabesh-gilead... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 11:1-11

4. Saul’s effective leadership in battle 11:1-11Israel’s king not only needed to be an admirable individual in his personal conduct, but he also needed to be an effective military commander. The writer pointed out Saul’s abilities in this area in this chapter. The nation consequently united behind him because of his success. This was the third divine indication that God had chosen Saul to lead Israel following his private anointing and his public choice by lot. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

Saul subdues the AmmonitesThis chapter is entirely in the spirit of the narratives in Judges; from 1 Samuel 11:15, it seems to be independent of 1 Samuel 10 but 1 Samuel 11:12 points back to 1 Samuel 10:27, which is perhaps distinct from 1 Samuel 10:17-24 even the ceremony at Grilgal may have been a’ renewal’ (1 Samuel 11:10), in the renewed popular enthusiasm, of the ceremony at Mizpeh. But see on 1 Samuel 12:12.1. Nahash] It is very doubtful if this is the Nahash of 2 Samuel 10:2. 3. Come... read more

Charles John Ellicott

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

(1) Nahash the Ammonite.—Nahash was king of the children of Ammon (see 1 Samuel 12:12). This royal family was in some way related to David (see 2 Samuel 17:25; 1 Chronicles 2:16-17). At the time of David’s exile owing to the rebellion of Absalom, a son of Nahash the Ammonite is specially mentioned as showing kindness to the fugitive king. Jabesh-gilead was a city situated in Northern Gilead, in the territory assigned to Manasseh. Josephus states that it was the capital of the country of Gilead.... 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

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