1 Samuel 11:3 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:1-4

The Ammonites were bad neighbours to those tribes of Israel that lay next them, though descendants from just Lot, and, for that reason, dealt civilly with by Israel. See Deut. 2:19. Jephthah, in his time, had humbled them, but now the sin of Israel had put them into a capacity to make head again, and avenge that quarrel. The city of Jabesh-Gilead had been, some ages ago, destroyed by Israel's sword of justice, for not appearing against the wickedness of Gibeah (Jdg. 21:10); and now being... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:3

And the elders of Jabesh said ,.... The magistrates and principal men of the city: give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers to all the coasts of Israel ; that is, cease from besieging them, from throwing in darts into the city, or any other missive weapons, and from attempting to break open the gates, or break down the walls of it, and storm it; such a space of time they desire, which was as little as could be granted, to go and return in, and without this it would not be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 11:3

Give us seven days respite - Such promises are frequently made by besieged places: "We will surrender if not relieved in so many days;" and such conditions are generally received by the besiegers. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:1-3

The relative power of evil and, good. The facts are— 1 . The Ammonites, in pursuit of the enterprise previously arranged for (see 1 Samuel 12:12 ; cf. 1 Samuel 8:5 ), threaten Jabesh-Gilead. 2 . The inhabitants in terror seek to make a covenant with their enemy. 3 . This being insolently refused, a respite of seven days is granted, during which external aid is to be sought. The narrative is evidently designed to trace the circumstances under which the discontent and base... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:3

CONFIRMATION OF SAUL IN THE KINGDOM ( 1 Samuel 11:1-15 ; 1 Samuel 12:1-25 .). EXPOSITION THE DEFEAT OF THE AMMONITES ( 1 Samuel 11:1-13 ). 1 Samuel 11:1 , 1 Samuel 11:2 . Nahash the Ammonite. The same name is found in 2 Samuel 10:2 as that of the father of Hanun, who treated David's ambassadors so shamefully, and probably they mean the same person. He is there said to have shown kindness to David; and as we read in 2 Samuel 17:25 that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 11:3

The elders - Observe the universal form of civil government among the Israelites, by elders (Judges 8:14, Judges 8:16, etc.). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 11:3

1 Samuel 11:3. Give us seven days respite It may seem strange, either that they should propose to submit so soon to such base conditions, if they did not receive help, or that Nahash should grant them so much respite when he saw them so abject and inclined to yield to him. But the reason of both is evident; for the elders of Jabesh thought Saul was not able to help them, having not yet taken upon him the government, but living privately, 1 Samuel 11:5; and Nahash, it is probable, was loath... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 11:1-15

Saul’s victory over the Ammonites (11:1-15)Within a short time Saul had the opportunity to prove to the doubters that he was the man to lead Israel. About a century earlier the Ammonites had exercised control over Israel’s territory of Gilead, east of Jordan, till Jephthah overthrew them (Judges 10:7-8; Judges 11:29-33). Now they attacked again and seemed certain of victory (11:1-3). When he heard the news, Saul called Israel’s fighting men together (using a well recognized local procedure; cf.... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 11:3

seven days. A very short respite. coasts = borders. man to save us = saviour. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 11:3

3, 4. send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel—a curious proof of the general dissatisfaction that prevailed as to the appointment of Saul. Those Gileadites deemed him capable neither of advising nor succoring them; and even in his own town the appeal was made to the people—not to the prince. :-. THEY SEND TO SAUL, AND ARE DELIVERED. read more