1 Samuel 11:1

Soon Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, "Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you."

Study Bible

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up
Nahash, whose name means "serpent" or "snake," was a king of the Ammonites, a people descended from Lot (Genesis 19:38). The Ammonites were often in conflict with Israel, as seen in Judges 11:4-33. Nahash's aggression reflects the ongoing hostilities between Israel and its neighbors. His actions here set the stage for Saul's rise as a leader and king of Israel.

and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead.
Jabesh-gilead was a city located east of the Jordan River in the territory of Gilead. It had historical ties to Israel, as seen in Judges 21:8-14, where the men of Jabesh-gilead were spared during a conflict with the other tribes of Israel. The siege indicates a strategic move by Nahash to control a significant area and exert influence over Israel. The city's location made it vulnerable to attacks from eastern tribes like the Ammonites.

All the men of Jabesh said to him,
The men of Jabesh-gilead, facing a formidable enemy, sought to negotiate rather than face destruction. This reflects the dire situation and the desperation of the inhabitants. Their response also highlights the lack of strong central leadership in Israel at the time, which Saul's eventual kingship would address.

“Make a treaty with us,
The request for a treaty indicates a willingness to submit to Nahash's terms to avoid annihilation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, treaties often involved vassalage, where the weaker party would serve the stronger. This plea underscores the vulnerability of Jabesh-gilead and the threat posed by Nahash.

and we will serve you.”
The offer to serve Nahash suggests a readiness to become vassals, which would involve paying tribute and possibly providing military support. This submission would have been humiliating for Israel, highlighting the need for a unifying leader. The situation foreshadows Saul's role as a deliverer, a type of Christ, who would save his people from oppression.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nahash the Ammonite
A king of the Ammonites, known for his aggression against Israel. His name means "serpent" in Hebrew, symbolizing his threatening nature.

2. Jabesh-gilead
A city in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It was an Israelite city that found itself under siege by Nahash.

3. The Men of Jabesh
The inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead who, facing the threat of Nahash, sought to make a treaty to avoid destruction.

4. The Siege
An act of war where Nahash surrounded Jabesh-gilead, cutting it off from outside support, intending to subdue it.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Threats
Just as Nahash threatened Jabesh-gilead, believers today face various threats, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. Recognizing these threats is the first step in seeking God's deliverance.

Seeking God's Deliverance
Instead of immediately seeking human solutions or compromises, believers are encouraged to first seek God's guidance and deliverance in times of trouble.

The Danger of Compromise
The men of Jabesh were willing to serve Nahash to avoid conflict. This highlights the danger of compromising with the world or sin, which can lead to spiritual bondage.

Community and Support
The isolation of Jabesh-gilead underscores the importance of community and support among believers. We are called to bear one another's burdens and support each other in times of need.

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
The eventual deliverance of Jabesh-gilead by Saul (later in the chapter) reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to raise up deliverers in our times of need.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the willingness of the men of Jabesh to make a treaty with Nahash reveal about their situation and mindset? How can this inform our response to threats today?

2. How does the history of Jabesh-gilead in Judges 21 provide context for their vulnerability in 1 Samuel 11:1? What lessons can we learn about the consequences of past actions?

3. In what ways do we face similar "sieges" in our spiritual lives, and how can we seek God's deliverance rather than compromising with the world?

4. How can the church today act as a supportive community to prevent isolation and vulnerability among its members, as seen in the situation of Jabesh-gilead?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant threat or challenge. How did you see God's sovereignty and deliverance at work in that situation, and how can this encourage you in future challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 21
The history of Jabesh-gilead is significant, as it was previously punished by Israel for not joining the assembly against the tribe of Benjamin. This background provides context for their vulnerability and isolation.

1 Samuel 12
Samuel's farewell address references the deliverance from Nahash, highlighting God's role in Israel's victories and the importance of obedience to God.

Romans 12:18
This verse encourages living at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on you, which contrasts with the forced peace sought by Jabesh-gilead under duress.