The last chapter ended with the people being sent home after Saul was
publicly proclaimed as king. They were some of Israel who did not really
accept Saul, so they despised him. But he did not kick up a fuss and just kept
the matter in his heart. In this new chapter, 1 Samuel 11, the narrative
shifted to a scene in Jabesh-gilead, a place which was besieged by Nahash the Ammonite.
Who were the Ammonites? They were the descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of whom
Lot’s daughter bore for him as a result of their incestuous relationship. In
the journey of the children of Israel into the promised land, the Ammonites had
been one of those that had troubled them. So, here we see them at it again.
The response of the Israelites toward
this challenge was one of resignation. They did not resist but instead offered
to serve the Ammonites if they would enter into a covenant with them. Had they
forgotten the God whom they had a covenant with? Why didn’t they turn to Him
instead? Their response to Nahash and the Ammonites was at best muted. It
reveals their spiritual condition. So lacking mental strength, they caved in
too easily. The Ammonites had the audacity to make the demand. They said, “I will
make it (the covenant) with you on this condition, that I will gouge out the
right eye of every one of you, thus I will make it a reproach on all Israel.”
The people of Israel had allowed Nahash to trample all over them. Their
answer should have been an outright no, but they were too disheartened to put
up any resistance. So, they asked for seven days to consider the enemy’s
unreasonable demand. Verse 3 seems to suggest that they were serious about
giving in. Then in desperation, they sent messengers throughout the land to
solicit help. The fact that they didn’t turn to God indicates they had totally
put Him out of the equation. This is their spiritual state. However, we are
told that they sent messengers throughout the land seeking for help. And the
messengers came to Gibeah, Saul’s hometown. Even in Saul’s hometown, the people
felt hopeless and they lifted their voice and wept.
It’s sad to see the people of Israel had reached this state. This is
what would happen when one loses touch with God. Not connected with God will
make one willing to compromise and give in to the unreasonable demands needlessly.
These few verses underscore for us the necessity to stay intact with God so
that we will not cave in, to the threat to take us down. Daniel 11:32 reminds
us that “…the people who know their God will display strength and take action.”
Thanks be to God!
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