1 Samuel 11:1-5
1 Now Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant with us and we will serve you.”
2 But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “I will make it with you on this condition, that I will gouge out the right eye of every one of you, and thereby I will inflict a disgrace on all Israel.”
3 So the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Allow us seven days to send messengers throughout the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.”
4 Then the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and spoke these words in the hearing of the people, and all the people raised their voices and wept.
5 Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and Saul said, “What is the matter with the people that they weep?” So they reported to him the words of the men of Jabesh.
Besiege of Jabesh-gilead
Nahash the king of the Ammonite
There is a time for every event. Blessed is the person who can wait for that time to come. Saul, who had been anointed as king, was disregarded by some people. He returned to his hometown (Gibeah) and lived as a farmer while waiting for God’s timing. It was during such time; a surprising opportunity arose for Saul in an unexpected way. (1) The town of Jabesh-gilead, on the east side of the Jordan River, was besieged by Nahash, the king of the Ammonites. (2) The residents of Jabesh offered to make a peace treaty. (3) In response, the Ammonite Nahash imposed an unreasonable demand. He demanded to “Gouge out the right eye” of the people, as a condition for the treaty. Losing the right eye would diminish their combat ability. (4) The elders of Jabesh, having been granted a seven-day deferment, spread this dire news throughout all of Israel, seeking salvation. Nahash granted the seven-day deferment, because it was less burdensome than continuing the siege. Additionally, he was unaware that a king had been appointed in Israel and assumed that a subdivided Israel would not have the capacity to retaliate.
Gibeah the Benjamite town
The elders of Jabesh-gilead first came to Gibeah, a town of Benjamin, which they had blood ties (concerning the relationship between the two, ref. to Judges Ch 21). This town was also the birthplace of Saul, the newly anointed king. When the people of Gibeah heard the news from the messengers of Jabesh, they realized that a closely related town was facing a deeply humiliating situation and began to cry out loud. It was at this moment that Saul returned from the fields, following his cattle. When Saul asked why the people were weeping, they reported the dire situation that Jabesh was facing. From this point, began Saul’s activity as the king. God opens paths for those who are faithful to Him in the most unexpected manners and at the best timing. This was the case for Saul as well. Even without proclaiming his kingship, the opportunity naturally came to him. This was a result of God’s providential work. Let us also learn to discern and wait for God’s timing.
Today's prayer
O God of Israel, You have prepared the best time for everything. Please give me the eyes to discern Your timing. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.