King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 11:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 11:1 in the King James Version says “Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead : and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead : and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

1 Samuel 11:1 · KJV


Context

1

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead : and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

2

And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel.

3

And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee. Give: Heb. Forbear us


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.

Nahash ('serpent' in Hebrew) exemplifies the hostile forces arrayed against God's covenant people. His siege of Jabesh-gilead, a town in Transjordan with close ties to the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:8-14), creates a crisis that will prove Saul's fitness for kingship. The men of Jabesh propose vassalage rather than death, revealing the desperate spiritual and military condition of Israel. Their willingness to 'serve' (abad) a foreign oppressor stands in stark contrast to their calling to serve the LORD alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Ammonites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38), occupied territory east of the Jordan River. Jabesh-gilead's vulnerability stemmed from its isolated position across the Jordan from the main Israelite settlements. This period (c. 1050 BC) saw increasing pressure from surrounding nations due to Israel's spiritual declension.

Reflection Questions

  1. When facing overwhelming opposition, do you first seek human solutions or divine intervention?
  2. How does this crisis demonstrate Israel's need for godly leadership that Saul was meant to provide?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיַּ֗עַל1 of 17

came up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

נָחָ֔שׁ2 of 17

Then Nahash

H5176

nachash, the name of two persons apparently non-israelite

הָֽעַמּוֹנִ֔י3 of 17

the Ammonite

H5984

an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish

וַיִּ֖חַן4 of 17

and encamped

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

עַל5 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָבֵישׁ֙6 of 17

against Jabeshgilead

H3003

jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

גִּלְעָ֑ד7 of 17
H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ8 of 17

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּל9 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַנְשֵׁ֤י10 of 17
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יָבֵישׁ֙11 of 17

against Jabeshgilead

H3003

jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

אֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נָחָ֔שׁ13 of 17

Then Nahash

H5176

nachash, the name of two persons apparently non-israelite

כְּרָת14 of 17

Make

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָ֥נוּ15 of 17
H0
בְרִ֖ית16 of 17

a covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְנַֽעַבְדֶֽךָּ׃17 of 17

with us and we will serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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