Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 11

Verses 1-15

Saul subdues the Ammonites

This chapter is entirely in the spirit of the narratives in Judges; from 1 Samuel 11:15, it seems to be independent of 1 Samuel 10 but 1 Samuel 11:12 points back to 1 Samuel 10:27, which is perhaps distinct from 1 Samuel 10:17-24 even the ceremony at Grilgal may have been a’ renewal’ (1 Samuel 11:10), in the renewed popular enthusiasm, of the ceremony at Mizpeh. But see on 1 Samuel 12:12.

1. Nahash] It is very doubtful if this is the Nahash of 2 Samuel 10:2.

3. Come out] a usual term for ’surrender.’

5. So Cincinnatus was found by the messengers of the State with his oxen.

6. Cp. Judges 6:34; Judges 11:29; Judges 14:6, etc., used of a sudden access of fierce patriotic zeal. Both cause and effect are slightly different in 1 Samuel 10:10.

7. Fear of the Lord] i.e. a dread inspired by the Lord; RM ’a terror from the Lord.’

9. i.e. before noon: cp. 1 Samuel 11:11.

10. Their object was to make the attack come on the Ammonites as a complete surprise.

13. Saul possessed many good and generous impulses (1 Samuel 24:17; 1 Samuel 26:21).

15. They made Saul king] see prefatory note.