I Samuel Chapter 11

Please Read:  I Samuel 11 –

It would seem unlikely that any enemy of Israel including the Ammonites, would allow men to be sent to ask for help with an impending death sentence hanging over their heads.  The Ammonites had surrounded the city of Jabesh-Gilead, and their leader Nahash would not allow the men of that city to just surrender and become servants to the Ammonites.  They faced two choices either death or having their right eye gouged out.  The latter seemed the better choice but still was a horrible thing to face.  Nahash was seeking notoriety.  He was quite certain that no one would come to the aid of the Israelites and allowing messengers to seek help from other Israelites would only spread his fame more.

Israel was a disjointed country and very much a mess.  When the word came of this pending death threat to Jabesh-Gilead, the people cried thinking there was no hope.  Word had gotten to Saul, the man chosen by God to be the king.  He was out in the field plowing with his oxen.  But then God stepped in, Saul became the leader God intended him to be.  Saul became angry with what we call righteous indignation.  The Spirit of God had come upon Saul and he went into action.