Bible Commentaries
1 Samuel 11

Verses 1-15

The Relief of Jabesh-gilead

Of the rejoicing after the relief of Jabesh-Gilead Dr. Blaikie says: 'It was perhaps the happiest occasion in all the reign of Saul. What constituted the chief element of brightness to the occasion was the sunshine of heaven. God was there, smiling on His children. There were other elements too. Samuel was there, happy that Saul had conquered, that he had established himself upon the throne, and above all, that he had, in a right noble way, acknowledged God as the author of the victory at Jabesh-Gilead. Saul was there, reaping the reward of his humility, his forbearance, his courage, and his activity. The people were there, proud of their king, proud of his magnificent appearance, but prouder of the super-eminent qualities that had marked the commencement of his reign. Nor was the pleasure of anyone marred by any ugly blot or unworthy deed throwing a gloom over the transaction.'

References. XII. 1-4. R. Hiley, A Year's Sermons, vol. i. p. 323. XII. 2, 3. J. R. Macduff, Sermons for the Christian Seasons (2nd Series), vol. ii. p. 681.