September 1, 2021
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Reading along with us in 1 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Samuel 11 (NIV)
Saul Rescues the City of Jabesh
1 Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will be subject to you.”
2 But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel.”
3 The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue us, we will surrender to you.”.........Continue Reading
Well Saul quickly faces his first issue as king and he certainly rises to the occasion. He showed strong leadership but started with counsel from God. He wasted no time and did not waiver.
1 Samuel 11
After proving himself, Saul had the people’s support
1 Samuel 11
Saul exhibits great leadership here. He sees there is a problem and asks what it is. He motivates the people to join him in doing what is right to address the problem. He commits to a definitive resolution and they executes the plan by organizing the strategy for the attack. He then shows wisdom and restraint not to kill his detractors when he would have had the people’s support to do so. A pretty good start I must say….
I am glad that the Word tells us where God is moving, because I would probably see many of the responses of people as in the flesh or in fear of man.
6 “Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.”
7 “And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.
13 But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has accomplished salvation in Israel.”
14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they made sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.